Patna, June 8 (IANS) Political rhetoric surrounding the Bihar Legislative Council elections and the opposition’s unity has intensified, with Union Minister Chirag Paswan launching a sharp attack on the INDIA bloc and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Monday.

Commenting on the meeting of the INDIA bloc, Chirag Paswan described the opposition coalition as an arrangement born out of political compulsions rather than shared ideology.

According to him, the alliance has been formed to conceal internal weaknesses and accommodate mutual political interests.

Referring to reports of dissatisfaction within the alliance, particularly involving the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Chirag alleged that the Indian National Congress has failed to retain the confidence of several of its long-standing allies.

He claimed that the Congress’s pursuit of power has led to a trust deficit among regional parties.

Taking a swipe at Mamata Banerjee, Chirag expressed surprise that leaders who had previously been strongly criticised by Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, are now participating together in opposition meetings.

He remarked that the alliance appears to have become a platform for political adjustment rather than one based on principles.

Speaking about the Bihar Legislative Council elections, Chirag Paswan termed his party’s growing representation in the Upper House a historic achievement.

He said that the support of the party’s MLAs has made it possible to strengthen its presence in the Council.

Praising party candidate Ashraf Ansari, Chirag noted that Ansari had been a long-time associate of the late Ram Vilas Paswan and had remained committed to the party without seeking personal gain or political office.

According to him, nominating such a dedicated worker is a matter of pride for the organisation.

Addressing the issue of former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi returning her security cover, Chirag maintained that matters concerning security should not be politicised.

He said that security arrangements are reviewed periodically based on assessments by the concerned agencies and that such changes should not be viewed through a political lens.

Citing his own experience, he added that his security cover has also been revised on several occasions.

Chirag Paswan also criticised the absence of RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav during the filing of nomination papers for the Legislative Council elections.

He said that the absence of the party’s top leadership reflected a lack of seriousness and suggested that leaders should demonstrate commitment towards both the candidate and the responsibilities associated with the office.

–IANS

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