Rajesh Kumar, who earlier contested in 2020 as an independent after breaking away from the NDA, brought dozens of his supporters into the Congress fold. He joined in the presence of party heavyweights including the Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram and Congress Legislature Party leader Shakeel Ahmed. The development comes closely after former MLA Bogo Singh resigned from JD and aligned with the Congress.
Congress leaders hailed Kumar’s entry as a boost to their outreach among marginalised groups, particularly EBCs. State Congress President Rajesh Ram suggested that this defection was symptomatic of a broader disillusionment among marginalised communities with the NDA. Ram criticised the ruling coalition, especially Nitish Kumar’s JD, for failing to address critical issues such as name removals from electoral rolls, which he said have hurt those at society’s periphery.
Political analysts see Kumar’s move as both symbolic and strategic. EBCs form a substantial portion of Bihar’s electorate, and their support has become increasingly contested. By securing a leader with previous institutional influence among EBCs, Congress hopes to soften JD’s hold over this voter base.
Bogo Singh’s defection adds weight to this shift. Although not as formally prominent as Kumar, Singh retains influence in Begusarai, and his exit underscores fissures emerging within JD ranks.
JD, meanwhile, is facing pressure from multiple fronts. Discontent within its leadership ranks, complaints of neglect from grassroots EBC leaders, and growing dissatisfaction over perceived centralisation of decision-making are all fueling defections. Critics argue that JD’s messaging on social justice has not matched actions on the ground.
Congress is capitalising on this momentum. Leaders are integrating Kumar’s defection into campaign narratives that highlight injustice, inclusion, and the idea that marginalised groups are being sidelined under the current ruling coalition. With Assembly elections approaching in October-November, these alignments are likely to influence candidate selection, campaign themes, and electoral alliances.