Rahul Gandhi's recent absence from Bihar's political scene raises questions as the state gears up for its assembly elections. His 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', which spanned 16 days and covered 1,300 km across 25 districts, aimed to energize the Congress party's base. However, since wrapping up his campaign on September 1, Rahul has not made a significant return to Bihar, leaving the spotlight to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Tejashwi Yadav, who have been actively campaigning.

The Congress leader's last public appearances have been outside Bihar, including a visit to Colombia and a tribute to singer Zubeen Garg in Assam. Despite Rahul's earlier efforts to connect with voters, his absence has left Congress candidates struggling for visibility. The Mahagathbandhan recently announced Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate, with Rahul notably absent from the event.

As the election date approaches, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal stated that the party's campaign will intensify after the Chhath festival, with Rahul scheduled to return to Bihar on October 29 and 30. However, this late entry raises concerns about its effectiveness, especially as the BJP has ramped up its campaign efforts, with Modi and Shah leading rallies across the state.

Internal issues within Congress have also surfaced, with discontent over ticket distribution leading to protests among party members. This unrest highlights a disconnect between the central leadership and local party workers. Senior leaders have been sent to manage the situation, but Rahul's absence remains a significant concern.

With just days left before the first phase of polling on November 6, the question looms: Can Rahul Gandhi regain momentum in Bihar, or has his late return come too late to make an impact?