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Bihar: A rift has emerged within the Opposition alliance in Bihar as Congress’s Pappu Yadav announces his intent to contest the Lok Sabha election from Purnea, directly challenging the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) candidate selection in the constituency.
Purnea Controversy: Following the announcement of RJD’s candidate, Bima Bharti, for the Purnea seat, Pappu Yadav, who recently merged his party with Congress, declared his candidacy from the same constituency. This move has sparked apparent discord within the Opposition alliance, setting the stage for a contentious electoral battle.
Yadav’s Assertion: Asserting his claim to the Purnea seat, Yadav affirmed his intention to contest on the Congress symbol, emphasizing the support he garners from the electorate. “I will contest the Purnea seat on Congress symbol, and people will ensure Congress’s win,” declared Yadav during a press conference.
Support from the People: Yadav cited the backing of the local populace as a driving force behind his decision, stating, “People of Purnea have said ‘Pappu is their son, he won’t go anywhere’. I will have to follow the order (of the people).”
Merger with Congress: Yadav’s Jan Adhikar Party (Loktantrik) formally merged with Congress on March 20, aligning himself with the party ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled from April 19 to June 1.
Assurances from Party Leadership: Yadav claimed that the Purnea ticket was assured to him by senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, underscoring his confidence in contesting from the constituency.
Contradictory Statements: While Yadav asserts his candidacy, RJD’s Bima Bharti downplays rumors of opposition, expressing confidence in Yadav’s support for her candidature. “He is my guardian and will continue to be so. We share a family relationship, and together we will win the Purnea seat with a majority,” stated Bharti.
Mahagathbandhan Seat-sharing Formula: The RJD-led Mahagathbandhan recently announced its seat-sharing formula, with RJD claiming the lion’s share of 26 seats out of Bihar’s 40 parliamentary constituencies. However, the discord over the Purnea constituency threatens to disrupt the alliance’s unity and strategic coordination in the upcoming elections.
