Congress – Party Turns to Gandhian Approach to Rebuild Base in Bihar

Congress –  The Congress has announced a renewed effort to strengthen its presence in Bihar by embracing principles associated with Mahatma Gandhi. The party is looking to reconnect with communities through non-confrontational and socially driven initiatives, following a modest performance in the 2025 Assembly elections where it secured six seats.

Training programme begins at Sadakat Ashram

As part of its initial phase, the party has started training around 100 workers at Sadakat Ashram in Patna. The programme is being conducted in stages and includes participation from experienced trainers based in Delhi and Wardha. These sessions aim to equip grassroots workers with practical skills rooted in Gandhian philosophy, focusing on service-oriented engagement rather than traditional political campaigning.

Emphasis on charkha and voluntary labour

Central to this initiative are the concepts of the spinning wheel and voluntary labour, which the party describes as symbolic yet practical tools for outreach. On Sunday, party workers took part in a cleanliness drive at the Ashram premises as part of a ‘Shramdaan’ activity.

During the event, chief instructor Suneet Sharma acknowledged the efforts of a woman artisan who supports her livelihood through spinning yarn. He noted that such activities are not only culturally significant but can also provide an additional source of income for rural households.

Economic empowerment through small-scale activities

Sharma highlighted that spinning and textile-related work can contribute to passive income, particularly for women in villages. According to him, encouraging such practices can help families supplement their earnings without requiring large investments. He also stressed that engaging in voluntary labour allows party workers to build trust and establish direct connections with local communities.

Focus on social groups and harmony initiatives

The Congress is aiming to widen its support base by addressing socio-economic issues affecting Dalits while also reaching out to upper caste and Muslim communities. As part of this effort, workers will organise foot marches and community discussions designed to promote social harmony and inclusivity.

These activities are expected to serve both as outreach programmes and platforms for dialogue on local concerns, helping the party better understand and respond to the needs of different sections of society.

Strengthening implementation of welfare schemes

In addition to community engagement, the party plans to closely monitor key welfare schemes introduced during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Through its mass contact campaign, it intends to assist people in accessing benefits under programmes such as MNREGA, the Right to Information Act, the Right to Education, and the Right to Food.

Party leaders believe that ensuring effective implementation of these schemes at the grassroots level will help rebuild public trust and demonstrate their commitment to governance.

‘Back to basics’ approach for long-term growth

Karuna Sagar, the state training in-charge and a former IPS officer, described the campaign as a return to fundamental values. He said the focus is on instilling Gandhian ideals among workers so they can translate these principles into meaningful action on the ground.

According to Sagar, this approach is intended not only to expand the party’s reach but also to create a sustainable connection with the electorate through consistent and visible efforts in community development.