Ashok Gehlot’s ‘Friendly Fight’ Remark Amid INDIA Bloc Deadlock
The INDIA bloc’s seat-sharing negotiations in Bihar have hit a roadblock, sparking fresh political tensions. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot attempted to downplay the discord, terming it a “friendly fight” among allies. Meanwhile, LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan took a swipe at the alliance, calling it “anything but friendly.”
Gehlot’s Attempt to Soften the Blow
Speaking to reporters in Jaipur, Gehlot stated, “Even if there is a friendly fight, it doesn’t mean the alliance is weak.” His remarks come amid reports of friction between Congress and RJD over seat-sharing in Bihar. The RJD, led by Tejashwi Yadav, is pushing for 25 out of 40 Lok Sabha seats, leaving Congress with just 5-6.
Political analysts see Gehlot’s comments as damage control, but Chirag Paswan was quick to mock the situation. “When allies talk about ‘friendly fights,’ the fight is clearly not friendly,” he tweeted sarcastically.
INDIA Bloc’s Bihar Seat-Sharing Struggle
The INDIA alliance—comprising Congress, RJD, Left parties, and others—faces a tough challenge in finalizing Bihar’s seat distribution. Key constituencies like Pataliputra, Sasaram, and Kishanganj remain contested, with both Congress and RJD fielding strong candidates. Smaller allies like CPI(ML) and CPI are also demanding their share, further complicating negotiations.
Chirag Paswan’s Political Jab
Chirag Paswan, now aligned with the BJP-led NDA, used the opportunity to criticize the INDIA bloc. “First, they couldn’t decide on a name, now they can’t decide on seats. This is what happens with power-hungry alliances,” he said at a rally in Hajipur. His remarks align with the BJP’s narrative of painting the opposition as unstable and opportunistic.
Can the INDIA Bloc Resolve the Deadlock?
Despite public sparring, Congress and RJD leaders insist the alliance remains strong. Congress’s Jairam Ramesh tweeted, “Minor hiccups are part of the democratic process.” Meanwhile, RJD spokesperson Manoj Jha assured a “mutually acceptable formula” soon.
However, time is running out—the Election Commission may soon announce poll dates, and the BJP has already begun campaigning aggressively in Bihar.
What’s Next for the INDIA Bloc?
If Congress and RJD fail to reconcile, it could lead to rebel candidates or fragmented opposition votes. A swift resolution, however, could strengthen their challenge against the NDA.
For now, Gehlot’s “friendly fight” remark has raised more questions—will the alliance hold, or will Paswan’s taunts prove true?
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