In VC with Rahul, Cong leader claims JD(U) MLAs, top LJP leader in touch
PATNA: Rajya Sabha member and BPCC campaign committee chairman Akhilesh Prasad Singh’s reported claim that many NDA leaders in Bihar are looking to align with the party has caused a stir in political circles in the state ahead of the Assembly polls.
According to Congress sources, Singh made this claim before AICC leader Rahul Gandhi during his video conference with the BPCC’s executive committee members on Friday. AICC general secretary Venugopal and Bihar’s party in-charge Shaktisinh Gohil were also present.
Singh, a former union minister, reportedly said four JD(U) MLAs and a senior LJP leader were in touch with him and were willing to switch over. He, however, claimed their plans were facing roadblocks as he was unable to facilitate their meetings with the party’s top leaders.
According to sources, Gandhi did not react to this.
During the video conference, Singh also reportedly expressed his displeasure over non-availability of top party leaders to meet responsible leaders from Bihar ahead of the crucial assembly elections. Party insiders said Singh also targeted Gohil and BPCC chief Madan Mohan Jha for their inability to infuse a fresh lease of life to the party.
Congress legislature party (CLP) leader Sadanand Singh said it was after a long time when senior leaders had an open discussion over what really ailed the party in Bihar. “Such discussions and sincerity of the senior leaders would definitely strengthen the organisation,” he said.
Gohil said everything was going well in the party in Bihar and all senior leaders were working in close tandem to unseat the ruling dispensation in the next assembly polls. “Executive committee members have urged Rahul ji to sort out seat issues of the ally partners well in advance. We are working on it, as the party does not want to repeat the last Lok Sabha election type embarrassment,” said the AICC in-charge.
Akhilesh Singh refuse to disclose details, saying he explained everything at an appropriate platform. Jha could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.
Former BPCC chief Anil Sharma, working presidents Samir Kumar Singh and Kaukab Quadri were among the 34 executive committee members who interacted with Rahul Gandhi on Friday in a three-hour virtual meeting.
Meanwhile, Bihar LJP vicepresident Hula Pandey took a dig at the Congress and said there was no one left to help the party. “We have always seen that government is formed by the side that we are with. Now, there is no one left to help the Congress. So, maybe they are thinking that if Ram Vilas ji goes with them, they can form government. This is just a daydream,” he said.
Senior JD(U) leader and minister Neeraj Kumar too ridiculed Singh’s claim. “Singh’s claim that JD(U) leaders are willing to part ways and join the Congress was another farce. Why will anyone go to the party which is battling for its own survival,” he said.