Pappu Yadav Clarifies Stance on Rahul Gandhi's Role in Bihar's Grand Alliance

New Delhi:

Independent MP Pappu Yadav, who recently commented about Rahul Gandhi potentially leading the Grand Alliance in Bihar, has clarified today that his statement didn't suggest the Congress leader would be the Chief Ministerial candidate. He emphasized that preventing friendly contests is the responsibility of the RJD.

"We have consistently maintained alliance principles. The friendly fights weren't initiated by us. The RJD should withdraw its candidates from constituencies where they're competing against Congress," he explained to NDTV's Padmaja Joshi in an exclusive conversation.

Regarding his statement about Rahul Gandhi, he elaborated: "Narendra Modi stands on one side, and Rahul Gandhi on the other. We aren't suggesting that Congress should receive the Chief Minister position."

He further noted that the BJP hasn't announced a Chief Ministerial candidate anywhere, suggesting this as justification for both alliances to promote their most prominent leaders.

The 57-year-old politician had recently described Rahul Gandhi as the "biggest leader in the Grand Alliance" who should guide it.

This statement, occurring amid unresolved Mahagathbandhan issues - including seat distribution and the Chief Ministerial position for RJD's Tejashwi Yadav - created controversy.

When questioned today about whether he believed Tejaswi Yadav would be the Grand Alliance's Chief Ministerial candidate, Pappu Yadav avoided directly answering, stating only that "the narrative is from Rahul Gandhi."

The Congress party hasn't yet recognized Tejashwi Yadav as the Chief Ministerial candidate. This position, initially perceived as a negotiation tactic for seat allocation, remains unchanged as the allies have failed to reach an agreement.

The parties have now begun independently fielding candidates, creating "friendly contests" in at least 12 constituencies.

This evident division within the Grand Alliance has brought optimism to the BJP.

Another consequence of the failed seat-sharing negotiations was the alienation of ally Jharkhand Mukti Morcha.

Jharkhand's ruling party led by Hemant Soren has now withdrawn from Bihar's electoral contest and indicated it would reassess the alliance in Jharkhand. Both RJD and Congress are components of Jharkhand's governing coalition.

Pappu Yadav, a six-term MP from Bihar, is married to Congress Rajya Sabha MP Ranjeet Ranjan and is recognized for his influence in eastern Bihar's Seemanchal region.