Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari criticized the Congress-led Mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Tuesday, stating that the alliance has ‘miserably failed’ to present itself as a credible Opposition both nationally and within the state. Addressing the ongoing ‘political crisis’ in Bihar, Pujari emphasized the need for a strong government at both the state and national levels, alongside a responsible Opposition, which is crucial for good governance. He noted that the lack of a robust Opposition is detrimental to a healthy democracy.
Pujari contended that the Congress-led coalition has consistently failed to fulfill this role, claiming, ‘In Bihar and across the country, the Congress and its allies have failed miserably in the last three terms to be a potentially viable and responsive Opposition.’ He pointed out the growing disunity within the Mahagathbandhan, stating, ‘There is visible disunity in their alliance. Their partners are fielding candidates against each other, which clearly shows confusion and a lack of coordination. They are not only fighting the NDA but also fighting among themselves.’ Furthermore, he suggested that this internal discord within the Mahagathbandhan foreshadows the alliance’s inevitable defeat.
Notably, allies within the Mahagathbandhan, such as the Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress, are expected to contest against each other for 11 seats in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. ‘The result of the Bihar election is a foregone conclusion. The Congress-led alliance has already lost the fight even before the contest began,’ he added. The first phase of polling in Bihar is scheduled for November 6, followed by the second phase on November 11, with results to be announced on November 14.