Rahul Gandhi’s efforts to court Dalit voters in Bihar face a challenge with the departure of a prominent Dalit leader, Dr. Ashok Kumar Ram, from the Congress party. Ram, a former minister and six-time MLA, has joined the Janata Dal United, a move considered a setback for the Congress’s preparations. Rahul Gandhi has been actively engaging with Dalit communities in Bihar, focusing on them during his visits. Ram cited the alleged neglect of Dalits within the party as his reason for leaving, despite his four-decade association. His departure is particularly significant as he had been a key Dalit face for the Congress. The party is working to regain its traditional vote bank among the Dalit community, which constitutes around 19% of Bihar’s population, a demographic that has drifted away from the party over time.
