PATNA, Aug. 8 -- Even before the seat sharing between the Mahaghatbandhan (Grand Alliance) parties could be reached, the Congress party in Bihar has stepped up its activity to shortlist candidates for the forthcoming assembly polls due in October-November. The Election Commission is yet to announce the poll dates. The four-member party screening committee headed by Ajay Maken, would meet in the state capital for two days from August 13, to shortlist candidates. The committee has seven ex-officio members as well. The Congress had in 2020 contested on 70 seats and won on 19 while its alliance partner, the RJD contested on 144 seats and won 75 seats; CPI-ML 19 (won 9), CPI 6 (won 2) and CPM 4 (won 2). The Congress, in a unique initiative, has launched a QR code-based system for ticket distribution to potential candidates for the upcoming polls. The new system allows any interested person to apply for a party ticket without paying a registration fee. By scanning the QR code, users are redirected to a comprehensive application form that seeks detailed information about the applicants, including their current status, involvement in social activities and social media presence - factors that help assess their public appeal. "Based on the QR code application process, more than 2,000 persons have applied for almost all seats," said Congress spokesperson Rajesh Rathore. "During the two days, the screening committee would review all applications and interact with applicants as well," said Rathore. The QR code initiative was formally launched by Congress state president Rajesh Ram in a bid to streamline candidate selection and assert the party's preparedness for the 2025 polls....