The JD(U) pointed fingers at the Congress for the collapse of the INDIA bloc in Bihar, alleging that the Congress prioritized strengthening its own party over the interests of the Opposition coalition.
According to Janata Dal (United) spokesperson K.C. Tyagi, a faction within the Congress aimed to seize control of the INDIA bloc leadership. The proposal to appoint Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the INDIA bloc, as its chairperson was seen as part of this agenda.
The JD(U) was taken aback by this decision, expecting its president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to be named convener without the burden of a chairperson, as per their earlier understanding.
Another JD(U) spokesperson, Rajib Ranjan, was even more critical of the Congress, accusing them of self-sabotage by promoting a candidate who would be detrimental to the Opposition alliance, possibly referencing Rahul Gandhi.
Ranjan went on to describe the Congress as “bhasmasur,” implying their touch would destroy everything, in a mythological reference.
Responding to the Congress’ accusation of opportunism against Nitish Kumar for realigning with the BJP, Tyagi argued that it was the Congress’ inflexibility that led to the derailment of the INDIA bloc.
While admitting to local disagreements with the RJD, the primary Opposition party in Bihar, Tyagi squarely blamed the Congress for the collapse of the coalition. He expressed both regret and relief that their leader, who had initiated the INDIA bloc, had exited it.
‘Disproportionate demand’
The JD(U) accused the Congress of attempting to dominate the territories of regional parties by demanding an excessive number of seats in states where it held influence. According to Mr. Tyagi, the Congress exerted pressure on its allies like West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar to participate in its Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, treating them as if they were party workers.
Mr. Tyagi further argued that the Congress consistently failed to accommodate its allies in states where it had a strong presence, a trend evident in various Assembly elections. He emphasized that the INDIA bloc lacked the necessary visibility to effectively challenge a grassroots party like the BJP, led by the charismatic Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
