Bihar Congress Faces Internal Turmoil Ahead of Candidate Finalisation, Senior Leaders Confronted at Airport

Patna, October 16, 2025: What started as a routine arrival at Patna airport on Wednesday evening turned chaotic as Bihar Congress workers clashed over allegations of ticket-selling and favouritism, exposing deepening divisions within the state unit just days before the October 17 nomination deadline.

Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram, state in-charge Krishna Allavaru, and senior leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan returned from Delhi to face the ire of party workers accusing the leadership of sidelining loyal members. Witnesses said the confrontation erupted when supporters from the Bikram constituency claimed that party tickets were being given to wealthy newcomers, overlooking grassroots workers who had been campaigning for years.

Tensions escalated near the airport terminal, leading to scuffles that required intervention by airport security and local police. The incident highlights rising dissatisfaction among long-standing members who have alleged corruption and bias in the ticket allocation process.

Sources indicated that after two days of meetings in Delhi, the Congress high command has finalised roughly 60 candidates, though the official list has not been made public. Some selected candidates have reportedly been informed via phone calls, fueling frustration among those still awaiting confirmation.

“The anger has been building for days. Tickets are not being given on merit but are influenced by money and connections in Delhi. A backlash was inevitable,” a senior Congress functionary said on condition of anonymity.

The timing of the clash could prove politically costly for Congress, which is currently negotiating seat-sharing with allies Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Left parties as part of the INDIA bloc. Reports suggest RJD is set to contest around 136 seats, Congress 60–62, Left parties 30, and the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) approximately 18.

Attempting to defuse the situation, senior leader Ashok Gehlot stated, “Decisions will be finalised in a day or two. Discussions are ongoing, and a conclusion is expected shortly.”

Bihar is scheduled to vote in two phases on November 6 and 11, with counting set for November 14. Congress leaders were also expected to meet RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday, but updates from that meeting were not immediately available.