Friendly fights to angry cadre: What ails Cong

THE OPPOSITION GRAND ALLIANCE HAS BEEN RIVEN BY PUBLIC INFIGHTING OVER CHOICE OF SEATS, CANDIDATES AND IS STILL FACING ‘FRIENDLY FIGHTS’ IN 10 SEATS

- Saubhadra Chatterji

The Congress's prospects in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections appear to be weakened by “friendly contests” against its own allies, last-minute withdrawal of candidates from traditional strongholds, and growing discontent over the decision to field several BJP turncoats.

“Our campaign is not in good shape. The momentum we gained from (Leader of the Opposition) Rahul Gandhi's Voter Adhikar Yatra has slowed down. The selection of candidates is an area of concern,” said a senior leader of the Bihar unit of the Congress, asking not to be named.

The Opposition Grand Alliance in Bihar, which is hoping to dislodge chief minister Nitish Kumar from power after four consecutive terms, has been riven by public infighting over choice of candidates and seats, and is still facing “friendly fights” in 10 seats. After week of deliberations, the alliance finally announced RJD leader ‘Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate and VIP chief ‘Mukesh Sahani as its deputy chief ministerial face on Thursday —the last day to withdraw nominations for the final phase of elections.