The humiliating rout of the Congress in Bihar has triggered a fundamental question about its relevance, agility and political instinct at a time when five crucial assembly elections—in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry—are rapidly approaching.

The party not only failed to read Bihar’s political moment but also stumbled in the most basic responsibility of coalition management by delaying its endorsement of Tejashwi Yadav’s chief ministerial candidature, despite being organisationally insignificant in the state. Its decision to contest in a “friendly” manner ended up confusing voters, giving the impression of a party that speaks of unity while acting with hesitation.

This miscalculation and Congress’ inability to connect with youth, women and first-time voters—who now d

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