Bihar – The Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee made a decisive move when Congress expels leaders involved in anti-party activities, removing seven prominent members from primary membership for six years. This action follows the party’s disappointing performance in the recent Bihar assembly elections, where strategic failures and organizational issues contributed to the National Democratic Alliance’s victory. The decision has ignited fresh controversy within party ranks, with critics characterizing it as an attempt to shield senior leadership from accountability for the electoral defeat.
The expulsion order was issued by Kapildeo Prasad Yadav, chairman of the BPCC disciplinary committee, marking a significant escalation in the party’s efforts to address internal dissent and restore organizational discipline.
Charges Against Expelled Members
When Congress expels leaders, the accusations typically involve serious breaches of party protocol and discipline. According to the official press communiqué, the expelled members were accused of deviating from the party’s core ideology, breaching organizational decorum, and issuing misleading statements outside official party platforms. The disciplinary committee highlighted that these leaders repeatedly criticized party decisions through print and social media channels, including making baseless allegations of ticket racketeering that damaged the party’s reputation.
The committee emphasized that candidate selections for the Bihar assembly elections were conducted transparently after thorough reviews by observers, the Pradesh Election Committee, and the All India Congress Committee, with consent from central observer Avinash Pandey.
Identity of Expelled Leaders
The Congress expels leaders list includes seven prominent party members holding significant positions within the Bihar organization. The expelled individuals are Aditya Paswan, former vice president of Congress Seva Dal; Shakeelur Rahman, former vice president of the BPCC; Raj Kumar Sharma, former president of Kisan Congress; Raj Kumar Rajan, former president of state Youth Congress; Kundan Gupta, former president of extremely backward department; Kanchana Kumari, president of Banka district Congress committee; and Ravi Golden from Nalanda District.
Disciplinary Committee’s Findings
The disciplinary panel stated that when Congress expels leaders, such actions are based on substantial violations of party norms. The committee found the leaders’ explanations unsatisfactory and determined their actions violated three out of five established disciplinary norms. These violations included deliberate disregard for directives from competent authorities and spreading confusion within the organization. The order noted that despite the appointment of assembly observers with central approval, these leaders continued their indiscipline throughout the election period.
Internal Opposition and Controversy
The decision that Congress expels leaders has sparked significant internal debate and criticism. The expulsions come amid growing turmoil following the party’s dismal performance in the 2025 Bihar Assembly polls, where Congress failed to meet expectations. A section of party leaders has questioned the legitimacy of the disciplinary committee itself, arguing it lacks formal notification from the AICC, unlike other established panels.
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Critics allege that when Congress expels leaders in this manner, it represents an attempt to deflect blame from senior leadership for strategic blunders, including poor candidate choices and alliance coordination issues. One of the 43 dissident leaders previously issued show-cause notices stated, “The party is expelling dedicated workers who raised alarms about weak candidates and lack of synergy among allies before the polls.”
Questions About Committee Impartiality
Dissidents have raised concerns about the disciplinary chairman’s impartiality when Congress expels leaders under his authority. Some critics pointedly questioned why Yadav was reportedly seen celebrating the victory of a rival BJP candidate during the elections, suggesting potential conflicts of interest in the disciplinary process.
Additional Resignations and Unrest
The controversy surrounding when Congress expels leaders has been compounded by other developments. Bihar Mahila Congress Committee chief Sharbat Jahan Fatima resigned from her position on Monday, reportedly over the denial of a ticket to contest the polls. Her departure underscores simmering frustrations over ticket distribution, which dissidents claim favored influential figures at the expense of grassroots leaders.
Comprehensive Review Process Initiated
In response to the electoral defeat that preceded when Congress expels leaders, BPCC president Rajesh Ram has initiated a comprehensive review process. Ram directed all district Congress committee presidents and executive presidents to convene urgent review meetings analyzing political, organizational, and regional factors behind the defeats. The analysis must cover voting percentages, booth-level activities, organizational strength, campaign outreach, local issues, and alliance dynamics.
“Election results are not just about wins and losses; they signal areas needing improvement. This is a time for introspection, united efforts, and organisational strengthening,” Ram stated.
Upcoming Party Campaigns
Following the decision that Congress expels leaders for disciplinary violations, the BPCC is organizing nationwide campaigns. On November 26, Constitution Day, the party will conduct “Save the Constitution” programs at all district headquarters. These events will feature seminars on “Constitution Protection and Defense of Democratic Values,” involving senior leaders, intellectuals, social activists, lawyers, youth, and community organizations.
Additionally, preparations are intensifying for the “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod Mahrally” scheduled for December 14 at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan. Ram described this rally as a collective call to protect voting rights, ensure electoral fairness, and restore credibility to democratic institutions amid allegations of voter suppression and data manipulation.
