Bihar's Lingering Questions: Congress Challenges Power Duos on Unmet Promises and Public Woes

Ah, Bihar. A state perpetually teetering on the precipice of possibility, yet, you could say, often mired in its own historical quagmire. And as the drumbeat of the 2025 assembly elections grows louder, it’s no surprise that the political pot is beginning to boil. Indeed, the Congress party, through its state chief Akhilesh Prasad Singh, has stepped onto the stage, not with a flourish, but with a volley of pointed questions directed squarely at both the powerful Narendra Modi-led central government and the Nitish Kumar-helmed state administration.

It’s a strategic move, isn’t it? To lay bare the alleged failings of what many call the ‘double engine’ government – a BJP presence at the center, and a JD(U)-BJP coalition, at least until recently, in the state. Singh, with a certain gravitas, insists that this dual-power setup has, frankly, underperformed. He speaks of a Bihar where the youth, the very backbone of its future, feel let down, where everyday life is a struggle, and where the promises of development seem to echo hollowly across the vast plains.

Consider, for instance, the sheer audacity of paper leaks. It’s become a disheartening, almost predictable, ritual. From the highly competitive NEET exams to other crucial recruitment tests, the integrity of the system appears, well, compromised. How, Singh and his party demand to know, can the government possibly explain away these recurring fiascos? It’s not just about a few rogue elements, is it? It points to a deeper systemic flaw, a lack of robust oversight that shatters the dreams of countless young aspirants.

Then there’s the specter of crime, a persistent shadow over Bihar. The Congress leader doesn't mince words, painting a picture of escalating lawlessness. Murders, kidnappings – these aren't mere statistics; they are tragedies that ripple through communities, eroding trust and security. And what, one might ask, is being done? Where is the decisive action, the unwavering resolve to protect citizens? Singh implies, quite strongly, that the response has been, at best, insufficient.

Perhaps most heartbreaking, though, is the issue of employment and, by extension, displacement. Bihar, bless its heart, has always been a land of outward migration. Its people, resilient and hardworking, often seek their fortunes elsewhere simply because opportunities at home are so scarce. The government, to be fair, talks of creating ten lakh jobs – a commendable goal, truly. But Singh challenges this narrative, suggesting that these jobs are either non-existent or, in truth, just a drop in an ocean of need. How many Biharis, he wonders, are still forced to pack their bags and leave their families behind just to earn a decent living?

And it doesn't stop there. The perennial demand for 'special category status' for Bihar, a plea that has resonated for decades, remains unaddressed. Industries, investments – they seem to bypass the state, leaving it to grapple with an agrarian economy often at the mercy of the elements. Farmers, in turn, face their own battles: fluctuating prices, inadequate infrastructure, and a general sense of being overlooked. Even essential services, education and health, which should be the bedrock of any progressive society, are, according to the Congress, deteriorating.

So, what's the takeaway? The Congress, embarking on its 'Jan Jagran Yatra' – a public awareness journey – clearly aims to galvanize support by spotlighting these very real, very human struggles. They’re positioning themselves as the voice of the people, the party willing to ask the tough questions. And yes, Singh even brings up the contentious topic of EVMs, suggesting past manipulations – a note of caution, or perhaps, a well-placed seed of doubt for the upcoming polls. In essence, it's a battle of narratives, a clash over perceived performance, and a stark reminder that in Bihar, the political landscape is always, always complex, and the voters, for once, will have their say.