RAHUL GANDHI ON BIHAR’S CHIEF MINISTER

By Anshika Khera

The Bihar election is almost 30 days away and the opposition Mahagathbandhan – consisting primarily of the Tejashwi Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress – remains a ‘work-in-progress’, battling uncertainty over who will be the alliance’s chief ministerial candidate. 

Congress Leader Udit Raj was the latest to speak on the uncertainty  telling news agency PTI Tuesday morning that while Tejashwi Yadav may be his party’s pick for Chief Minister, he isn’t yet the pick of the INDIA bloc, the national-level anti-BJP front led by the Congress and which includes the RJD.

When Udit Raj was questioned whether Yadav is formalised as the  face of the opposition’s campaign , he responded by saying , “ He may be the chief ministerial face for the RJD… but the INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial face will be decided collectively.”” Look, any supporter of any party can do that … but the India bloc’s candidate has not been decided. Let us see what the Congress HQ decides.”

Outside of the RJD-Congress wheelhouse, Yadav is widely seen as the only realistic option , the only opposition leader with enough influence and support, both from political leaders and the people, to effectively challenge Janata Dal United boss and veteran Nitish Kumar for the top job.