Daijiworld Media Network – Patna
Patna, Apr 7: Tensions are simmering within the INDI alliance ahead of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled visit to Bihar on Monday. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tanweer Hassan has expressed concern over Gandhi’s decision to attend a rally led by Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar in Begusarai, without prior consultation with RJD's Tejashwi Yadav.
Hassan said, “Rahul Gandhi is the leader of the INDI alliance, and it is his responsibility to take all alliance partners into confidence. He should have spoken to Tejashwi Yadav before attending the rally. I feel a mistake has been made.”
Rahul Gandhi is slated to participate in the ‘Palayan Roko, Naukari Do’ (Stop Migration, Give Jobs) rally organised by Kanhaiya Kumar, former JNU student leader. The rally aims to highlight employment issues and expand the Congress's organisational reach in Bihar.
While clarifying that rallies are a part of political activities, Hassan drew a distinction between past RJD mega rallies and the Congress’s efforts to carve its own space. “RJD is known for its Maha-rallies. There won’t be a major difference just because one more rally is being held. But the Congress seems to be putting Kanhaiya Kumar forward to expand its presence in Bihar.”
When questioned about Kumar’s electoral setbacks, Hassan remained philosophical. “Winning and losing are part of democracy. There’s no blame in politics. You fight, and you accept both possibilities,” he said.
However, the RJD leader was cautious about the implications of such moves during an election year. “This is not the time to sow confusion. It is time to stay united. When leaders start acting individually, it creates misunderstandings within the alliance,” he warned.
Despite his reservations, Hassan ruled out any major fallout, suggesting that Kanhaiya Kumar’s activities were meant to build the Congress’s grassroots presence and not to weaken the ‘Mahagathbandhan’. “Let us see how far he can go in strengthening his party. But it is important that such steps do not appear to sideline the contributions of other partners,” he said.
As the INDI alliance readies for a high-stakes electoral battle, Hassan reiterated the importance of unity. “RJD is the biggest party in Bihar. The campaign is being run under Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership. Rahul Gandhi must ensure that all alliance partners feel included. The entire alliance needs to stay bound in a single thread,” he concluded.
Rahul Gandhi’s visit on Monday and his participation in Kanhaiya Kumar’s march is being closely watched as a litmus test of the Congress’s coordination with its Bihar allies in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.