Tensions Rise Within Bihar's Mahagathbandhan Ahead of Elections. While a meeting agreed on Tejashwi's leadership, Congress leader Tariq Anwar stated that the party with the most MLAs will form the Chief Minister.
Bihar Politics: Although the Bihar Assembly elections are some time away, the political tussle over the Chief Minister's post within the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) is intensifying. Growing tensions between the Congress and RJD are raising questions about the alliance's unity. A recent meeting ostensibly agreed on Tejashwi Yadav's leadership, but statements from senior Congress leaders have reignited the debate over the Chief Ministerial candidate.
Mahagathbandhan Meeting Reaches Consensus on Tejashwi's Leadership
A crucial Mahagathbandhan meeting recently took place at former minister Alok Mehta's residence. MLAs and MLCs from the RJD, Congress, and Left parties attended. The meeting clarified that Tejashwi Yadav would be the Mahagathbandhan's Chief Ministerial candidate. Leaders asserted that there was no disagreement regarding his leadership within the alliance and that all parties would contest the upcoming elections together.
Congress Leader Tariq Anwar's Statement Reignites Controversy
Despite the display of unity at the Mahagathbandhan meeting, senior Congress leader and MP Tariq Anwar sparked fresh controversy with his statement. He acknowledged the RJD as the largest party in the alliance but maintained that tradition dictates the party with the most MLAs forms the government. His statement questions Tejashwi Yadav's claim and highlights the internal disagreements within the alliance.
Congress's Claim Regarding Seat Sharing
During an interaction with the media in Katihar, Tariq Anwar also stated that no discussions on seat-sharing within the Mahagathbandhan had yet taken place. He promised to inform the media once discussions commenced. This indicates that internal discussions on seat allocation remain incomplete and potential disagreements exist.
Congress Leader Ajit Sharma Also Raises the Chief Minister Issue
Tariq Anwar is not the only Congress leader to have commented on the Chief Minister's post. Senior Congress leader Ajit Sharma previously made controversial statements on the issue, suggesting that the alliance's MLAs would decide the Chief Minister after the election results.
He added, however, that the final decision would rest with the Congress's top leadership, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. This statement underscores the deep rift within the Mahagathbandhan.
Questions Raised About the Mahagathbandhan's Unity
These statements have raised serious questions about the Mahagathbandhan's unity. A joint meeting of Mahagathbandhan leaders, led by Tejashwi Yadav, was held on Thursday, appealing for continued unity among all parties.
However, subsequent statements from senior Congress leaders clearly indicate that all is not well within the Mahagathbandhan. This political discord may intensify in the coming days, potentially jeopardizing the Mahagathbandhan's prospects in the Bihar elections.
Will the Mahagathbandhan Fracture Before the Elections?
The emerging disagreements over the Chief Minister's post within the Mahagathbandhan before the Bihar elections are raising concerns about the alliance's strength. While the RJD and other parties support Tejashwi Yadav's leadership, the Congress appears to be maintaining a distinct stance.
