NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday mocked the Mahagathbandhan, claiming Rahul Gandhi and Congress were robbed of credit after a press conference poster featured only RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. BJP spokesperson Shehzaad Poonawala posted on X said, “Joint PC? But only one picture…. Rahul Gandhi & Congress ka ‘samman chori’ ….. Showed Congress & Rahul his place?”
The INDIA bloc appeared ready to formally announce Tejashwi as its chief ministerial candidate following key discussions in Patna on Wednesday. Congress leaders, including senior election observer Ashok Gehlot and Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru, met Tejashwi and former chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav to resolve lingering alliance stalemates.
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CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya indicated growing impatience over delays. “Tejashwi’s name as the opposition’s CM candidate could be officially announced at INDIA bloc’s joint press conference on Thursday. Entire Bihar knows Tejashwi will be the CM if INDIA bloc gets majority,” he said.Meanwhile, Bihar congress observer Ashok Gehlot described the meeting as “highly positive,” adding that the bloc was “united and contesting the elections as a strong force” and that “all confusion” would be cleared at the press conference. He also dismissed concerns over seat-sharing disputes, calling “friendly fights” normal.Tejashwi downplayed any notion of alliance friction, saying, “There is no controversy or confusion in INDIA bloc…Will talk tomorrow. You will get an answer to every question.”The RJD released 143 candidates for Bihar Assembly elections on Monday, including 24 women. Some constituencies currently have candidates from both RJD and Congress, with adjustments expected ahead of the polls, which are scheduled in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results on November 14.
