Is the Fight Really About Saving Bihar and Not Just Capturing Power?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- RJD supports Tejashwi Yadav as chief ministerial candidate.
- Pappu Yadav’s comments create controversy within the alliance.
- RJD emphasizes unity in addressing Bihar's issues.
- Coalition parties are preparing for the upcoming elections.
- Statements from individual MPs can impact alliance dynamics.
New Delhi, July 15 (NationPress) In a robust rebuttal to remarks made by Purnea MP Pappu Yadav at a recent Congress gathering in Delhi, esteemed leaders of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have reinforced their commitment to Tejashwi Yadav as the principal representative of the Mahagathbandhan for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
RJD MP Sudhakar Singh highlighted the solidarity among the opposition coalition, rejecting any attempts to sow discord regarding leadership.
“All parties will contest the elections together, and preparations for the campaign at every level are nearly complete. Just one or two statements won’t solve Bihar’s core issues. This is a fight to save Bihar, not a fight to capture power,” Singh stated.
“Anyone who supports the Mahagathbandhan is always welcome. However, if confusion arises, we will not accept that,” he added, seemingly addressing Yadav's remarks.
Pappu Yadav, an Independent MP, stirred the pot by proposing that Congress leaders Rajesh Ram and Tariq Anwar could be potential chief ministerial candidates from the Mahagathbandhan.
This stance clashes with the RJD's long-held position of presenting Tejashwi Yadav as its unequivocal chief ministerial choice.
RJD chief spokesperson Shakti Yadav responded emphatically.
Regarding Pappu Yadav's presence at the Congress strategy meeting, he remarked, “What’s he doing in our courtyard? The Mahagathbandhan parties are united under Tejashwi ji’s leadership. We don't take seriously the remarks of someone who is just a special invitee to another party.”
When questioned about whether Congress should refrain from inviting Pappu Yadav to its meetings, he replied: “Our tradition is to respect anyone who comes to our door. But how long can you keep entertaining someone? He doesn’t even have a party. He’s an Independent MP. His statements are often indirectly helpful to the BJP.”
He concluded by reiterating the RJD’s stance, “Tejashwi ji is the accepted leader of Bihar. One person’s comments change nothing.”
Pappu Yadav had previously met Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at the party headquarters in Delhi.
His post-meeting statements, suggesting that Congress had multiple CM candidates, have caused unease within the RJD camp, viewing such comments as a challenge to alliance discipline and clarity.