As political momentum builds ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, a Congress leader has signalled support for Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav as the face of the INDIA bloc in the state. The indication came after newly appointed Bihar Congress president Rajesh Kumar held a key meeting with Tejashwi in Patna on Sunday.
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Shakil Ahmed Khan was also present during the discussions, which took place just a day before senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled visit to the state. The meeting, seen as part of ongoing coordination efforts among INDIA bloc partners.
When asked about the chief ministerial face of the INDIA bloc in Bihar, Congress leader Shakil Ahmed Khan responded, “Tejashwi Yadav is the Leader of the Opposition in the assembly. He represents all opposition parties and will continue to do so even outside the assembly with the support of all constituents of the Mahagathbandhan.”
Bihar Congress president Rajesh Kumar on Sunday dismissed reports of internal differences within the INDIA bloc, asserting that the alliance remains united in its goal to defeat the ruling NDA in the forthcoming state assembly elections.
Kumar, who recently took charge as the state Congress chief, held a meeting with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav—a development seen as significant in the run-up to the polls. Congress Legislature Party leader Shakil Ahmed Khan was also present during the meeting, which took place a day ahead of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled tour of Bihar.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rajesh Kumar said, “It was a formal meeting with Yadav. Such meetings with all constituents of the INDIA bloc will be held regularly ahead of the upcoming assembly polls. INDIA bloc and all its partners share a common resolve—to fight collectively and defeat the NDA to save both the nation and Bihar.”
He further emphasised that there is no disunity within the alliance. “The question of discord does not arise at all. We are united, and we will defeat the NDA together in the coming assembly polls,” Kumar added.
‘BJP Leaders Speaking Language Of General Dyer’: Shakil Ahmed Khan On Waqf Act
Khan also launched a scathing attack on BJP leaders over the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, accusing them of making provocative remarks. “BJP leaders are speaking the language of General Dyer on this issue. The BJP is a party full of illiterate and uncivilised leaders,” he said, translating the Hindi phrase “BJP mein jahilon ki fauj hai.” He added that even JD(U) leaders have started echoing similar sentiments.
Turning his criticism towards JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar, Khan stated, “Nitish Kumar is no different from BJP leaders. People will never forgive him for his stance on the Bill.”
The reference to General Dyer alludes to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 13 April 1919, where British troops under Dyer’s command fired upon a peaceful gathering in Amritsar, killing hundreds of unarmed Indians.
