JD(U) slams Congress 'obstinacy' ahead of INDIA bloc meet on 30 Sep
Synopsis
Just hours before the INDIA bloc's crunch Wednesday meeting, JD(U) has publicly accused Congress of 'obstinacy' that has hollowed out the opposition alliance — with a Union minister alleging Nitish Kumar was kept out of the convenor's role 'by conspiracy'. Inside the meeting, the bloc is set to debate impeaching the Chief Election Commissioner and launching a national agitation. The alliance is fighting a two-front battle: external attacks from a key former partner, and internal questions about genuine unity.
Key Takeaways
JD(U) National General Secretary Shyam Rajak accused Congress of 'obstinacy' ahead of the INDIA bloc meeting on 30 September 2026 .
Union Minister of State Ram Nath Thakur alleged Nitish Kumar was denied the INDIA bloc convenor's role 'as if by some conspiracy', prompting his shift to the NDA .
Purnia MP Pappu Yadav alleged that electoral roll revisions by CEC Gyanesh Kumar have undermined democratic rights.
The INDIA bloc meeting is expected to discuss demanding the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar , PM Modi's resignation , and a strategy for a nationwide agitation including an impeachment motion in Parliament .
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged electoral irregularities and accused the CEC of favouring the BJP — charges rejected by the Election Commission .
The Janata Dal (United) on 30 September 2026 sharply criticised the Congress, accusing the party of 'obstinacy' that has prevented the INDIA bloc opposition alliance from functioning in a genuine spirit of cooperation — remarks timed just ahead of a crucial INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday. The attack underscores deepening fault lines within the opposition grouping even as it prepares to discuss a nationwide agitation strategy.
JD(U)'s Broadside Against Congress
JD(U) National General Secretary Shyam Rajak alleged that the alliance has consistently failed to demonstrate real unity, with member parties committed to it only superficially. 'The name is INDIA Bloc, UPA, but that alliance is only about obstinacy. Congress, because of its obstinacy, has still not followed the spirit of the alliance, and it has to bear the consequences. The parties that are there are neither with them wholeheartedly nor in spirit; they are with them only in words, wherever they are,' Rajak said.
His remarks represent one of the most pointed public critiques of the alliance by a former constituent party since Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar departed the grouping to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Why Nitish Kumar Left — The JD(U) Version
Union Minister of State Ram Nath Thakur offered the JD(U)'s account of Kumar's exit from the opposition front, alleging it was driven by deliberate exclusion. 'When the Congress was part of the Mahagathbandhan, and the proposal came to make Nitish Kumar the convenor, he was not made convenor, as if by some conspiracy. So Nitish Kumar made his own decision and joined the NDA alliance,' Thakur said.
Thakur added: 'Now, what is the point of discussing Nitish Kumar? There is no benefit to it. Whatever decision the Congress party has made, it should stick to its decision and work towards strengthening its own party.' The remarks serve to draw a clear line between the Kumar-led party and its former INDIA bloc partners.
Purnia MP Raises Broader Democratic Concerns
Purnia MP Pappu Yadav struck a different note, arguing that the significance of Wednesday's meeting should not be reduced to internal alliance arithmetic. 'The question is not about the meeting. The question is about the country. It is about the rights of 140 crore people of this country, its sovereignty, democratic values and the democratic system,' he said.
Yadav also levelled allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, claiming the ongoing process of electoral roll revisions had adversely affected democratic rights — accusations that reflect a wider opposition campaign against the poll body.
What the INDIA Bloc Meeting Is Expected to Decide
The agenda for Wednesday's meeting has been finalised, with discussions likely to centre on resolutions passed at the recent Congress Working Committee meeting — which called for the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The bloc is also expected to chart a strategy for a nationwide agitation, potentially including public rallies, protests, and the filing of an impeachment motion in Parliament against the Chief Election Commissioner.
The opposition's sharpened focus on the Election Commission follows reports of internal differences between two Election Commissioners and CEC Kumar over voter-list revisions and the addition of new names to electoral rolls. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged irregularities in the electoral process and accused the Chief Election Commissioner of favouring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — allegations that the Election Commission has rejected.
With JD(U) attacking from outside the alliance and internal cohesion questioned even by participants, Wednesday's meeting will be a critical test of whether the INDIA bloc can translate discord into a unified political offensive.
Point of View
But converting that into a credible impeachment motion or a disciplined national campaign requires exactly the coordination that JD(U) says has been absent. If the bloc cannot hold a unified line even in opposition, its readiness to govern as an alternative remains an open question.
NationPress
30 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is JD(U) criticising Congress ahead of the INDIA bloc meeting?
JD(U) alleges that Congress's 'obstinacy' has prevented the INDIA bloc from functioning in a genuine spirit of cooperation, with member parties committed to it only in words. The remarks came from JD(U) National General Secretary Shyam Rajak on 30 September 2026, hours before the bloc's scheduled meeting.
Why did Nitish Kumar leave the INDIA bloc and join the NDA?
According to Union Minister of State Ram Nath Thakur, Nitish Kumar was denied the INDIA bloc convenor's role 'as if by some conspiracy', which prompted him to make his own decision and join the NDA alliance. These are the JD(U)'s stated reasons; the Congress has not publicly responded to this specific allegation.
What is the INDIA bloc meeting on 30 September expected to discuss?
The meeting is expected to discuss a resolution passed at the Congress Working Committee calling for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The bloc is also likely to finalise a nationwide agitation strategy, including protests, public rallies, and a potential impeachment motion against the CEC in Parliament.
What is the controversy surrounding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar?
The opposition has accused CEC Gyanesh Kumar of irregularities in electoral roll revisions, with reports citing internal differences between Election Commissioners over the inclusion of new names. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged the CEC is favouring the BJP — allegations the Election Commission has denied.
Who is Pappu Yadav and what did he say about the INDIA bloc meeting?
Pappu Yadav is the Member of Parliament from Purnia, Bihar. He argued that the meeting's significance should go beyond alliance politics to address broader issues of democratic values, constitutional rights, and the sovereignty of India's 140 crore citizens, and he also alleged that ongoing electoral roll revisions have hurt democratic rights.
