CM WAR IN THE GRAND ALLIANCE

CM WAR IN THE GRAND ALLIANCE

20-SEP-ENG 13

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA------------------------The countdown for the Bihar Assembly elections has begun, but the face of the Chief Minister's post has become the biggest controversy within the opposition Grand Alliance. The stances of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi have further complicated the issue.

In an interview with a TV channel, Tejashwi Yadav attacked the BJP, but the real target was Congress. He said, "Are we the Bharatiya Janata Party that we don't have a face? The Grand Alliance will not contest the elections without presenting a Chief Ministerial face."

Tejashwi's statement is a political challenge for Congress. It sends a clear message that RJD will not compromise without a 'face' in the elections.

While Tejashwi considers himself a natural contender for the Chief Minister's post, Congress's stance is completely opposite. Rahul Gandhi had clearly stated, "If the allies of the India Block contest the elections together with mutual respect, the results will be good."

But Rahul refrained from putting forward Tejashwi's name. This silence is proving to be the Grand Alliance's biggest weakness.

Tejashwi's statement is not just a roar, but also a political pressure tactic. In fact, the RJD is the Grand Alliance's biggest strength in Bihar. Last time too, the RJD won more seats than the Congress. Tejashwi wants to demonstrate that he holds the "key to power."

On the other hand, Congress does not want Tejashwi's name to be unilaterally finalized before the elections. The party believes this will weaken its position in seat-sharing.

The battle for the Chief Minister's face within the Grand Alliance has now become public. Tejashwi wants to be the face of the people. Congress is still clinging to the theory of "group leadership." The NDA could benefit the most from this tussle, as the divisions within the Grand Alliance are being exposed to the public.

The Grand Alliance is trumpeting unity, but the Chief Minister's face clearly shows disunity. Tejashwi's sharp tone and Rahul's silence tell the same story: The real battle in Bihar's electoral politics is currently being fought within the Grand Alliance.