The ongoing internal strife within the Bihar Congress came into the open on Thursday when hundreds of party workers and senior leaders staged a peaceful protest at the party headquarters, Sadakat Ashram, in Patna, calling for efforts to “save the Congress Party.” The demonstration gained further significance as it included numerous office-bearers who had been issued showcause notices by the party.
Chants such as “Remove the middlemen,” “Save Bihar Congress from brokers,” “Evict RSS-BJP infiltrators,” and “Investigate financial irregularities” echoed across the premises. The protest was led by senior leaders including AICC member Anand Madhav, former minister Afak Alam, ex-MLA Chhatrapati Yadav, Gajanand Shahi (alias Munna Shahi), and Bunty Chaudhary.
The protesters leveled serious allegations against the Congress high command regarding ticket distribution irregularities, financial transactions, and awarding tickets to BJP supporters. Anand Madhav clarified that the movement was not anti-party but aimed at protecting Congress from forces attempting to run the organization under RSS and BJP influence. He accused the state leadership of selling tickets and humiliating dedicated party workers.
Former minister Afak Alam stated that under Article 19, Clause 5(a) of the Congress Constitution, a two-week period is allotted for clarification. “Yet, leaders are being harassed by demanding answers in just five days,” he said.
Ex-MLA Chhatrapati Yadav criticized the issuance of notices despite prior discussions with the Congress national president K.C. Venugopal, calling it against organizational decorum. He added that the state Congress is not in a position to take action against AICC members.
The situation intensified the following day when statements by other Congress leaders further fueled controversy. MP Pappu Yadav made derogatory remarks about the protesting leaders, saying “When the elephant walks in the market, the dog may bark a thousand times… however tall the donkey stands, it will remain below the camel.”
He delivered this comment while seated next to State Congress President Rajesh Ram, who remained silent in apparent support.
Protesting leaders questioned the logic behind such remarks at Sadakat Ashram, where Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Maulana Mazruha Haque once sat, saying, “Insulting Congress workers at this historic venue reflects a troubling mindset. The fault lies not with Pappu Yadav alone, but with the state president who allows such acts.”
They reiterated their demand for the immediate removal of Rajesh Ram and warned that the party could not face a worse day than one where its president seemingly condones such indecent behavior.
The rapid escalation over the past two days has made it clear that Bihar Congress is undergoing a severe leadership crisis. Protesters have vowed to continue their struggle until the party is freed from RSS/BJP influence and the culture of brokerage.
With the conflict now reaching the doors of the Congress high command, attention will turn to how the central leadership intervenes in the coming days.
