Shahabuddin row sows seeds of rebellion in Congress

Shahabuddin, the RJD leader who has come out on bail, has now become a political hot potato in the state. Initially there was a war of words between the RJD and the JD(U), coalition partners in the state government. There were statements and counter statements by both the RJD and the JD(U). Now the issue has caused fissures in the 27 MLA-strong Congress legislature party in Bihar.

Bihar Congress chief Ashok Chaudhary, who is also a minister in the Nitish government, came out in support of the chief minister, Nitish Kumar. In a statement, he said, “People who are unhappy with the alliance are free to go.” This has not gone down well with the RJD camp and Congress legislators.

Seventeen legislators out of the 27 have conveyed their unhappiness to the Congress high command. Their argument is Shahabuddin was given bail by the high court; it was not a Bihar government decision. The aggrieved persons are free to move a higher court. The Congress being a junior partner in the Grand Alliance should stay away from the controversy.

Sensing trouble in the state unit, the Congress high command has swung into action. The state Congress chief has been spoken to by a senior leader of the party. He has been asked to check the discontent brewing in the state unit and ensure that the atmosphere is not vitiated further. The Congress Legislature Party leader Sadanand Singh, a nine-term MLA, has also been instructed to keep the flock together.

There has been trouble brewing for Mr Chaudhary in the state Congress unit. Many in the state unit feel that Mr Chaudhary should not be holding two posts and a new party chief should be appointed. There have been several rounds of meeting with the Congress high command to appoint his successor but till now a replacement has not been found.

The anti-Chaudhary camp has smelt blood in the current situation. They are adamant in their demand to have Mr Chaudhary replaced as the state Congress chief. The Congress high command is monitoring the situation closely. The Congress may pass this hurdle but if proper steps are not taken soon enough there can be serious consequences.