Thoothukudi: Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a sharp attack on Nitish Kumar, alleging that the veteran leader had been “compromised” and that his past actions allowed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to exert control over him.
Speaking at a public rally in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi, the Congress leader referred to recent political developments in Bihar, claiming that Nitish Kumar’s exit as chief minister reflected a larger pattern of political influence by the BJP.
‘Compromised leadership’ allegation
Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP was able to remove Nitish Kumar from the chief minister’s post because he did not resist the move. He claimed that the Janata Dal (United) leader remained silent after being shifted to the Rajya Sabha.
Without directly naming Nitish Kumar in his speech, Gandhi said that the chief minister of Bihar was replaced by a BJP leader and did not object to the transition. According to him, this indicated that the leader had been compromised.
He further claimed that past decisions taken by Nitish Kumar had made him vulnerable to political pressure, allowing the BJP to influence his position and decisions.
Bihar developments cited as example
Referring to the situation in Bihar, Rahul Gandhi said the developments were a reflection of how the BJP operates politically. Nitish Kumar, who had been one of the longest-serving chief ministers of the state, resigned from his post earlier this month after securing a Rajya Sabha seat.
Gandhi suggested that the transition was not voluntary but driven by political compulsion, though no official confirmation supporting this claim has been issued by the parties involved.
Warning for Tamil Nadu politics
Extending his criticism beyond Bihar, Rahul Gandhi warned that a similar approach could be attempted in Tamil Nadu. He alleged that the BJP aims to establish governments in states that can be “fully controlled”.
According to him, the party prefers leadership that aligns completely with its directives, rather than independent decision-making at the state level.
He asserted that such a political model would not be allowed to take root in Tamil Nadu, emphasising that the opposition would resist any attempt to undermine state autonomy.
Political reactions awaited
As of now, there has been no immediate response from Nitish Kumar or BJP leaders regarding Rahul Gandhi’s remarks. Political observers note that such exchanges are common during election campaigns, where parties seek to frame narratives to influence voters.
The comments come at a time when political activity is intensifying in several states, with leaders addressing rallies and outlining their positions on governance and federal dynamics.
Conclusion
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in Tamil Nadu underline ongoing political tensions and competing narratives between major parties. By citing Bihar as an example, he sought to raise concerns about central influence in state politics, signalling that federal autonomy will remain a key issue in the upcoming political discourse.