In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Akhilesh Yadav, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and leader of the Samajwadi Party (SP), expressed his disappointment with the Congress, attributing the current strains within the INDIA alliance to the party's lack of proactive engagement. Yadav emphasized the necessity for Congress to take a more assertive stance, underscoring the absence of the vigor required for meaningful discussions and collaboration within the alliance.
Addressing the potential collaboration with Rahul Gandhi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Yadav adopted a wait-and-see approach, suggesting that the fruition of such a partnership remains uncertain.
Regarding the political unrest in Bihar and the potential exit of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar from the INDIA alliance, Yadav reiterated his criticism of Congress, suggesting that proactive measures from the party could have averted the current predicament. Expressing his desire for Kumar to remain within the alliance, Yadav acknowledged Kumar's pivotal role in its formation.
Yadav expressed concern over Kumar's reported discontent, advocating for open dialogue to address his grievances and potentially find a resolution. He highlighted Kumar's dissatisfaction with failed seat-sharing negotiations within the INDIA alliance in Bihar and other states, as well as his perception of Rahul Gandhi's political activities as favoring the Congress over the broader alliance.
Meanwhile, the internal discord between Kumar's JDU and Lalu Prasad Yadav's RJD has created upheaval in Bihar's political landscape, with the ruling government facing significant challenges. Both parties are engaged in extensive discussions to secure the necessary support to maintain their dominance in the state assembly, should JDU withdraw from the alliance, necessitating additional MLAs for the RJD to retain its position.
