Where Is Rahul Gandhi? His Absence Becomes Talking Point as Bihar Election Nears

As Bihar heads into assembly elections, the conspicuous absence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has become a major talking point across the state.

Rahul, who last visited Bihar on September 1 to conclude his Voter Adhikar Yatra in Patna, has not returned since—sparking speculation within the party and among alliance partners in the INDIA bloc. The Congress is contesting 61 of Bihar’s 243 seats as part of the Mahagathbandhan alliance led by the RJD, which is contesting 143.

Party workers say the Voter Adhikar Yatra had built significant momentum for the opposition alliance, but that energy has since waned. “People keep asking, ‘Where is Rahul Gandhi?’ Without his presence, it’s difficult to motivate voters,” a Congress worker at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna told LiveMint.

Voting Schedule

Polling will be held in two phases — on November 6 and 11 — with counting on November 14. The first phase covers southern and central districts where Congress hopes to consolidate support with RJD and other INDIA bloc allies.

Internal Discord and Ticket Protests

Rahul’s absence comes as Congress faces internal rebellion over ticket distribution. Several disgruntled leaders, including former MLAs, staged protests at the party’s state headquarters last week, chanting “Ticket chor, Bihar chhod” and demanding the removal of Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru, whom they accused of being a “corporate agent” and even a “sleeper cell of the RSS.”

Senior leader Anand Madhab said, “Allavaru has destroyed the momentum built through Rahul Gandhi’s Yatra. We want our voice to reach Rahul Gandhi because there’s no internal platform to raise grievances.”

A Campaign Missing on the Ground

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have already begun campaigning for the NDA, Congress’s campaign is barely visible. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has been holding multiple rallies, and even Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj campaign has picked up steam.

Will Rahul Gandhi Campaign?

Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal said the party’s campaign would begin after Chhath Puja, with Rahul Gandhi expected in Bihar on October 29–30. He added that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party president Mallikarjun Kharge will also address rallies.

However, Congress sources in Bihar told LiveMint that Rahul’s first rally is likely to take place on November 2 in Khagaria — just days before the first phase of voting. Priyanka Gandhi is expected to address a rally on November 1.

Calculated Strategy?

Some party insiders believe Rahul’s absence is deliberate — part of a calibrated plan to prevent the election from becoming a “Modi vs. Rahul” battle.

“When Rahul Gandhi becomes the face, the contest often polarizes around him and the Prime Minister. This time, he’s likely staying low-key to keep focus on local issues and Tejashwi’s leadership,” a Congress leader from Uttar Pradesh stationed in Seemanchal told LiveMint.

Whether that strategy pays off — or backfires — will become clear as Bihar votes in the coming weeks.