Patna buzzes with political heat as ex-Congress heavyweight Shakeel Ahmad levels fresh salvos at Rahul Gandhi in an IANS interview. He confessed counseling the leader-of-opposition against confining temple darshans to election frenzy, a suggestion casually dismissed.
The remarks amplify a row sparked by Ahmad’s ‘cowardly leader’ jibe at Rahul, provoking Congress ire. Bihar veteran with multiple legislative wins, he exited the party post-polls, now a relentless critic.
Insider tips alleged high command plots to raid his Patna and Madhubani homes via protest covers, prompting beefed-up local security.
‘Temples aren’t election props – go regularly, I urged, but he quit post-polls, absent from Bihar,’ Ahmad charged.
He dissected Rahul’s Kesri tribute timing, pre-Bihar polls, after which came Lalu pacts offending Brahmin base despite ‘Shiv bhakt’ posturing.
Social elevation mustn’t trample forwards, Ahmad reasoned, decrying zero-sum games.
Rahul’s supposed aversion to Tharoor, Chidambaram reeks of insecurity, prioritizing self over team. Priyanka, Sonia shone; Rahul hoards flatterers, demotes seniors for Youth Congress/NSUI upstarts.
Purging over-55s while Rahul nears that mark cripples youth wings, he warned.
As a party well-wisher sans ambitions, Ahmad explained Rahul seeks ‘equals’ who won’t challenge. Youth pals alerted on attack orders: ‘Effigy fire mocks my Muslim burial rites.’
Rahul’s viability? Tied to Modi’s stumbles: ‘Congress as default option still lags badly.’
Modi’s first-meet recall of Ahmad’s critiques showcased astute awareness, a nod to superior command.
Ahmad’s narrative underscores Congress’s generational, ideological chasms, casting shadows on its opposition mantle.