Ahmed Patel's Daughter Challenges Congress to Adapt to Modern Indian Political Landscape After Bihar Defeat

New Delhi:

Mumtaz Patel, daughter of Congress' Ahmed Patel, has issued a stark warning on X, criticizing her party's performance in the Bihar elections. When questioned about her remarks, she emphasized the necessity for the party to adapt to changing times.

"We can't operate as we did decades ago. Today's India presents different challenges, a different government, and different opponents. Our current approach isn't sufficient to challenge this system," she explained during an exclusive conversation with NDTV's Shiv Aroor.

In her social media statement, Mumtaz cautioned against making "excuses," engaging in "blame games," or conducting mere "introspection."

She wrote, "How long must loyal grassroots workers who've remained steadfast through difficulties wait for success? Instead, we face repeated failures because power is concentrated among a few individuals disconnected from reality. These same individuals, responsible for the party's downfall, continue receiving rewards because they've positioned themselves as indispensable through their control and influence."

When asked if this group is providing misleading advice to Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, she responded: "I can't determine if their advice is right or wrong. But ultimately, we're not winning elections."

"During the time of the previous inner circle, which included my father, we were securing electoral victories. We successfully ran a government, maintained alliances, respected alliance principles, and showed mutual respect," she added.

She pointed out that today's Congress, with its 20 percent vote share, remains "the principal Opposition party with nationwide presence. We're the only party with a foundation across the country. But watching its current trajectory makes no sense to me."

The Opposition Grand Alliance performed dismally in the recent Bihar elections, securing just 35 seats compared to the NDA's overwhelming 202 out of 243 seats.

Within the alliance, Tejashwi Yadav's RJD won 25 seats, Congress secured six, CPM obtained one, CPI(ML)(L) claimed two, and IIP won one seat.