The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday mocked the Mahagathbandhan alliance after a press conference poster prominently displayed only RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, sidelining Congress and Rahul Gandhi. BJP spokesperson Shehzaad Poonawalla took to X, saying, “Joint PC? But only one picture… Rahul Gandhi and Congress ka ‘samman chori’… Showed Congress and Rahul his place?”
The INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties, appeared poised to announce Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial face in Bihar following crucial discussions in Patna on Wednesday. Senior Congress leaders, including election observer Ashok Gehlot and Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru, met with Tejashwi and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav to iron out alliance differences ahead of the polls.
CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya indicated that Tejashwi’s formal announcement could come at the joint press conference, saying, “Entire Bihar knows Tejashwi will be the CM if the INDIA bloc secures a majority.” Meanwhile, Ashok Gehlot described the Patna meeting as “highly positive,” asserting that the alliance remains united and strong. He downplayed reports of seat-sharing tensions, calling them “friendly fights.”
Tejashwi Yadav also dismissed speculation about discord within the alliance. “There is no controversy or confusion in the INDIA bloc,” he told reporters, adding that all issues would be addressed in the upcoming press conference.
The RJD has already announced 143 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, including 24 women. Several constituencies currently have overlapping candidates from both RJD and Congress, though adjustments are expected soon. The elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results to be declared on November 14.
