The political storm in Bihar intensified as BJP leaders rallied against Congress following reports of threats to ex-party member Shakeel Ahmad. Bihar government ministers unleashed a barrage of criticism, portraying Congress as a party allergic to truth and accountability.
Health Minister Mangal Pandey set the tone during a media briefing in Patna. He likened Congress’s functioning to feudal rajas who brooked no opposition. ‘Leaders who muster the courage to speak facts face the wrath, just as Shakeel Ahmad has,’ Pandey declared. He emphasized that this pattern of suppressing voices is ingrained in the party’s DNA.
Joining the fray, Minister Dilip Jaiswal focused on Ahmad’s pointed attacks on Rahul Gandhi. ‘By questioning the leadership that has repeatedly failed the party, Shakeel has done what many think but few say,’ Jaiswal stated. He portrayed Ahmad’s exit and outspokenness as a symptom of broader disillusionment within Congress ranks.
JD(U)’s Rajiv Ranjan Prasad added a note of caution, expressing concern over Ahmad’s safety. ‘With Congress gripped by despair, unpredictable actions are possible. He must ensure proper protection,’ Prasad advised.
At the heart of the matter is Shakeel Ahmad’s explosive allegations. After branding Rahul Gandhi as timid and unsafe, he claimed Youth Congress operatives informed him of orchestrated assaults on his Patna and Madhubni homes. According to Ahmad, directives from the top brass in Delhi mandated effigy burnings and vehement demonstrations.
This episode highlights Congress’s struggles with internal democracy, providing ammunition for BJP’s narrative ahead of key electoral battles. As Bihar’s political landscape heats up, the Shakeel Ahmad saga illustrates how personal grievances can fuel national-level political narratives, potentially reshaping alliances and voter perceptions in the coming months.