By Vishwapati
Patna: Not all is calm within the India Alliance, as differing approaches between the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) regarding the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections have become apparent. The Congress has made it clear that it will not function as the RJD’s “B team.” Instead, as a national party, it intends to take a leading role and operate as an “A team” on the front foot. However, the Congress has also expressed its desire for the India Alliance to remain intact in Bihar, with all parties contesting the elections together against the BJP-JD(U) coalition.
The countdown to the Bihar Assembly elections has begun, and all political parties are engrossed in their preparations. The Congress, a key constituent of the Grand Alliance, is no exception. The party’s high command has appointed a new in-charge for Bihar, Krishna Allavaru, who has been actively touring the state. During his visits, Allavaru has emphasised that the Congress will not succumb to any external pressure. He has unequivocally stated that the party will no longer play second fiddle but will instead enter the electoral battle as a primary contender.
Following this declaration by the Congress in-charge, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, whose party is the largest member of the Grand Alliance, has remained conspicuously silent. When questioned about the Congress’s stance, Yadav avoided addressing the issue directly. The Leader of the Opposition appeared visibly irritated when asked about the Congress’s assertion that it would contest the elections as an “A team.” He sidestepped the questions and refrained from providing any response.
Meanwhile, Krishna Allavaru, upon arriving in Patna, reiterated to the media that the Congress would not contest the upcoming Bihar elections as a subordinate party but as the “A team” of the people. He outlined the party’s strategy to strengthen its organisational structure and maximise its seat count. Allavaru also launched a sharp critique of the Nitish Kumar-led government, describing it as “completely useless.” He questioned the Chief Minister’s record, asking what tangible achievements the government could point to after two decades in power. “If the Chief Minister seeks votes from the public, he must be held accountable for what he has accomplished in the last 20 years,” Allavaru remarked.
The growing rift between the Congress and the RJD highlights the challenges facing the India Alliance as it prepares for a high-stakes electoral battle in Bihar. While both parties aim to present a united front against the BJP-JD(U) coalition, their differing strategies and public posturing suggest that internal tensions may complicate their efforts.
(The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com)
