Lalu En Route to Delhi for INDIA Alliance Meeting; Giriraj Issues Challenge: “If You Have Courage, Contest Elections Against Nitish Modi”
Patna: The Indian National Developmental Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) bloc is set to convene in Delhi on Tuesday, in what promises to be a pivotal gathering following the recent state election outcomes. The meeting, initially scheduled for December 6, has been eagerly awaited as political heavyweights prepare to strategize and fortify the alliance’s stance.
RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, accompanied by his son and deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, embarked on the journey to Delhi on Monday morning to partake in the proceedings. The Patna airport witnessed a charged atmosphere as Lalu addressed the media, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of challenges. “We all have to fight together and defeat Modi (Prime Minister Narendra Modi),” he declared, underscoring the alliance’s commitment to collective action against the current ruling powers.
However, the RJD leader expressed disdain at media queries regarding PM Modi’s assertion of a return to power. “You people always ask this. What is Narendra Modi? If he comes, let him come. We talk about Modi every day; what is Narendra Modi? We will all fight together against them and remove them this time,” retorted Lalu, displaying his resolve to counter the incumbent leadership.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh took the opportunity to reignite tensions by challenging Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Giriraj provocatively suggested that Nitish should demonstrate his courage by contesting elections against PM Modi in Varanasi. The senior BJP functionary questioned the sincerity of the alliance, dismissing it as a mere façade. “This alliance, this meeting is all a sham. For your own sake, to hide your sins,” Giriraj asserted, adding fuel to the political fire.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav remained measured in his comments, assuring that all relevant matters would be discussed during the upcoming meeting. “The committee is looking after the work of the committee. We are doing the preparations that should be done for the elections. There is only one INDIA alliance, and whatever responsibility is assigned to it, we will fulfill it,” said Tejashwi, emphasizing the unity of purpose among regional parties aligned with the alliance.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh, undeterred by the measured response, persisted in his challenge. “If anyone in the Indi alliance has courage, then one person should contest elections against Narendra Modi in Varanasi,” he asserted. Casting doubt on the alliance’s intentions, Giriraj further challenged Nitish Kumar or any RJD leader to contest elections from Varanasi against PM Modi, dismissing the upcoming meeting as a ruse.
As the political drama unfolds, the nation awaits the outcome of the INDIA bloc meeting with bated breath, recognizing the significance of the discussions in shaping the political landscape in the coming months. The meeting assumes added importance against the backdrop of recent state elections and the continued volatility in the political arena.