Patna: Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Shakeel Ahmad has raised alarm over his safety after calling Rahul Gandhi a “coward” and an “insecure” leader, alleging that his residences in Patna and Madhubani could be targeted at the behest of the Congress national leadership.
Ahmad made the claim in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating he had received confidential information suggesting the Bihar Congress and Youth Congress had been instructed to attack his homes on January 27 under the pretext of burning effigies. He described the alleged instructions as a violation of democratic principles, warning against attempts to suppress dissent with violence.
अभी अभी काँग्रेस के कुछ साथियों ने गुप्त रूप से मुझे ख़बर किया है कि काँग्रेस के राष्ट्रीय नेतृत्व ने बिहार कांग्रेस / युवा काँग्रेस को यह आदेश दिया है कि कल दिनांक 27 जनवरी को पुतला दहन के बहाने मेरे पटना और मधुबनी निवास पर आक्रमण किया जाय।
यह जनतंत्र के सिद्धांत के ख़िलाफ़ है।— Dr Shakeel Ahmad (@Ahmad_Shakeel) January 26, 2026
In a subsequent television interview, Ahmed directly criticised Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, claiming the Congress leader feels uneasy around strong, influential party figures. He suggested that party president Mallikarjun Kharge holds the title in name only, while Gandhi continues to make key decisions from behind the scenes. Ahmad also argued that Gandhi prefers working with individuals over whom he feels authority.
अब तो मेरी जानकारी बिल्कुल सही साबित हुई। काँग्रेस के पुराने साथियों का बहुत धन्यवाद।
हमारे बिहार में एक कहावत कि
पुराने दोस्त ही काम आते हैं।
क्या यह राहुल जी के आदेश के बिना हो रहा है? pic.twitter.com/qtgBCemfH4— Dr Shakeel Ahmad (@Ahmad_Shakeel) January 26, 2026
The controversy began after Ahmad referred to Rahul Gandhi as the “most insecure leader” during a podcast, triggering sharp backlash within the Congress. He later spoke publicly about his fears of an attack, further escalating tensions.
Ahmad also questioned the effectiveness of Gandhi’s “Save the Constitution” campaign, claiming it had little impact on the ground. He criticised what he described as the party’s politics of Muslim appeasement, suggesting that even members of the Muslim community did not fully support Gandhi’s position, and claiming senior Congress leaders avoid being photographed with Muslim leaders to protect their Hindu vote base.
Despite his criticisms, Ahmad clarified that his dissatisfaction lies with Rahul Gandhi’s leadership style rather than the party itself. He denied reports of joining another political formation and took a dig at political strategist Prashant Kishor, saying, “If the coach starts batting himself, the team’s performance suffers.”
Ahmad’s statements have brought internal Congress disputes into the public eye, raising questions about the party’s leadership dynamics in Bihar. How the national leadership responds to these accusations may influence both the party’s internal cohesion and its political fortunes in the state.
