Political turbulence has intensified in Bihar amid the ongoing Budget Session, with speculation rife about a possible defection within the Congress Legislature Party. Reports suggest that four of the six Congress MLAs in the state may switch sides. While the party leadership has firmly dismissed these claims as baseless, political corridors remain abuzz and the activities of NDA constituents are being closely watched.
Sources indicate that dissatisfaction among some legislators stems from organizational decisions, alleged neglect of regional issues, and concerns over the party’s role within the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance). Uncertainty over political prospects is also said to be a contributing factor. In response to the emerging situation, the party’s central leadership convened a meeting with Bihar MLAs in New Delhi on January 23, a move widely seen as an effort to prevent any potential split.
State Congress President Rajesh Ram asserted that the party remains united and described the defection reports as a conspiracy by political opponents. According to him, all MLAs are firmly aligned with the party line.
As per the current strength in the Bihar Assembly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds 89 seats, while the Janata Dal (United) has 85. Should four Congress MLAs join the NDA, the balance of power could shift significantly. Political analysts are also linking the proposed Cabinet expansion to the evolving arithmetic in the Assembly.
Senior BJP leader Bhupender Yadav described the Congress as weak in Bihar and said that any legislator willing to support the Prime Minister’s policies would be welcome. However, he did not confirm any formal talks.
Bihar has a history of major political realignments during Budget Sessions, with trust votes, alliance shifts, and defections frequently unfolding during this period. The latest speculation has further raised the political temperature.
Meanwhile, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has taken precautionary steps. Party chief Asaduddin Owaisi convened a meeting of his party’s Bihar MLAs in Hyderabad ahead of the Budget Session under the banner of “Darussalam Day” and felicitated them. For now, however, the spotlight remains firmly on the Congress, where talk of a possible split has unsettled Mahagathbandhan politics.
The Congress faces the immediate challenge of maintaining unity within its ranks and projecting opposition cohesion. On the other hand, despite official silence from the NDA, political maneuvering appears to be ongoing. All eyes are now on the upcoming proceedings of the Budget Session and the anticipated Cabinet expansion—whether this is merely a pressure tactic or the precursor to yet another major political shake-up in Bihar.
