Creating a crisis in the opposition grand alliance in Bihar, the Congress on Tuesday announced its candidates for the Kusheshwar Asthan and Tarapur assembly constituencies, just days after the RJD announced its candidates for the seats. Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) President Madan Mohan Jha announced the candidature of Atirek Kumar from the reserved seat Kusheshwar Asthan and Rajesh Kumar Mishra from Tarapur in a hurriedly convened press conference here.
“I thank the party high command for respecting the sentiments of party workers in the state. Both the candidates are young and will fight a spirited battle.”
Jha refuted RJD’s claim that he had “discussed” the matter with the Congress before going ahead and said, “It was me who called Jagdanand Singh (state RJD chief) to show cause.” But they chose not to follow it. Coalition dharma se. I urge the Left parties, who are part of the grand alliance, to support us in the by-elections.”
Notably, the Congress was hopeful that the RJD would not field its candidate from Kusheshwar Asthan, which was contested by the oldest party in the assembly elections last year. The BPCC president dismissed suggestions that the RJD’s aggression stems from its misgivings over the inclusion of Kanhaiya Kumar, who is often seen as a potential rival to Tejashwi Yadav.
“The joining of Kanhaiya Kumar was not a sudden development. It came into force after long deliberations and the RJD was fully aware of this. No one from that party expressed any objection even once,” Jha said.
Later, talking to reporters, former JNU student leader, Congress MLA Shakeel Ahmed Khan, who had actively participated in Kanhaiya’s state-wide demonstrations against CAA-NPR-NRC last year, said that the youth leader was going to be involved in the upcoming elections. I will campaign extensively. .
“Kanhaiya will address at least 10 rallies,” Khan said. When asked about Tejashwi’s alleged insecurities towards Kanhaiya, Khan said, “This is what he has to say”.
“People of Bihar, however, remember how RJD distanced itself from Kanhaiya’s rally against CAA-NPR-NRC at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan. It is for all to see that their (RJD leaders’) selfishness has nullified their commitment to fight for secularism,” the Congress MLA said.
Khan also responded to RJD supremo Lalu Prasad’s digs done a few hours ago to indirectly take a dig at the “high command culture” in parties like the Congress. “I would say that he should take care of his sons first and resolve the differences between them who don’t seem to be coming to an end,” said Khan, referring to the constant tussle between Tejashwi and his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav. Took a chuckle.
Bypolls to the two assembly constituencies have become necessary due to the death of sitting MLAs belonging to the JD(U). The Nitish Kumar-led party, backed by all NDA allies, has already declared the names of its candidates.
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