Should All Alliance Leaders Be Held Accountable? Mukesh Sahani on Bihar Election Outcome
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- All alliance leaders must share blame for the election defeat.
- Bihar's electoral process is experiencing financial influence.
- Internal family disputes are complicating political dynamics.
- Legitimacy of NDA's victory is being questioned.
- Collective accountability is essential for future reforms.
Patna, Nov 17 (NationPress) Mukesh Sahani, leader of the Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP), stated on Monday that the entire Mahagathbandhan must collectively bear the responsibility for its significant defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections. He emphasized that it is unjust to blame any single individual for the loss.
These remarks were made in light of a controversy sparked by Rohini Acharya, daughter of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, who alleged that her brother Tejashwi Yadav held her accountable for the alliance's poor showing, leading her to consider stepping back from politics and distancing herself from her family.
While addressing reporters, Sahani remarked, "This is a family issue, and we lack comprehensive insight. Typically, after a defeat, blame is placed on one person, but I believe that is inappropriate. All leaders within the alliance should share the responsibility for this setback."
He also addressed comments made by former Congress Bihar chief Akhilesh Prasad Singh, who suggested that RJD MP Sanjay Yadav and Congress leader Krishna Alavaru should clarify the reasons behind the alliance's weak performance.
Sahani responded, "His concern stems from no longer being part of that system. Therefore, he is directing unfounded accusations at others. Anyone making claims should first conduct self-reflection. Blame and mistakes are collective, and victories belong to everyone, including the public. No single individual is at fault," affirmed the VIP chief.
When commenting on the NDA's overwhelming victory, he attributed it to the transfer of Rs 10,000 to women's accounts right before the elections.
"In elections, there are two possible outcomes: victory or defeat. Clearly, the Mahagathbandhan did not achieve the success it aimed for, while the NDA did. We congratulate the NDA and its leadership," he added.
"However, their mandate was not genuine; rather, it was influenced by financial incentives, which poses a risk to democracy. With Rs 10,000, one can essentially purchase a government in Bihar. This is profoundly regrettable. In the past, affluent individuals would bribe voters illicitly, but now the same practice is being legitimized through loopholes. Consequently, women's votes shifted to the NDA, resulting in their victory," Sahani concluded, noting that his party did not succeed in winning any seats in the Assembly elections.