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Patna, Oct 27 (IANS) Ahead of Bihar Assembly elections 2025, former Congress state president and Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh expressed confidence that the Grand Alliance will win the elections, claiming that the public mood across the state is decisively in its favour.
Admitting the delay in seat-sharing talks and “some mistakes” in ticket distribution, Singh said the grand alliance is completely united in the Bihar assembly elections. He said disagreements among allies are natural in a large alliance, but stressed that these issues have not affected the alliance’s collective resolve.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Singh said he visited several constituencies and found strong support for the candidates of the alliance led by Tejashwi Prasad Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the face of the chief ministerial post.
Here are some excerpts from the interview.
IANS: What is the mood of the public on the ground?
Akhilesh Prasad Singh: Bihar will give surprising results this time. I have visited many constituencies in Nalanda and surrounding districts and the sentiment of the voters is in favor of the Grand Alliance. In places like Nalanda, where Shravan Kumar has been winning for 25 years, people are now supporting the Congress candidate. I strongly believe that the people have decided in favor of the Grand Alliance candidates. Tejashwi Prasad Yadav will become the next Chief Minister of Bihar.
IANS: Why were Congress leaders not campaigning during Chhath festival?
Akhilesh Prasad Singh: The party respects the cultural and religious sentiments of the people. Today the festival of folk faith is Chhath, which is celebrated with deep devotion by the people of Bihari origin in Bihar and across the world. Therefore, it is not appropriate to campaign for elections on this day. BJP leaders can do this but we will not.
IANS: When will the big Congress leaders come for campaigning?
Akhilesh Prasad Singh: The campaign program of top Congress leaders has been finalized. Rahul Gandhi will start his campaign after Chhath. Our central leadership is waiting for the Chhath festival to end. Rahul Gandhi will hold two rallies on October 29, one in Sakra and the other in the constituency where the RJD candidate is contesting. Tejashwi Yadav will also join him and both will address the rally together. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge will also come here to campaign.
IANS: Why the delay in seat distribution and ticket distribution?
Akhilesh Prasad Singh: There was a delay due to long talks with RJD and Left parties… but the differences are being resolved. I admit, yes, there was a delay due to coordination with partners. Candidates from both RJD and Left parties are contesting on some seats, but this is not a major issue. This will be resolved soon.
IANS: Why the internal dispute in Congress on ticket distribution?
Akhilesh Prasad Singh: Such issues were natural in an election year. There are limited seats but there are many contenders – sometimes 15 to 20 for a seat – so it is natural that some will be unhappy. There may have been some mistakes in ticket distribution, but overall the Grand Alliance is united and you will see that unity in the coming campaigns.
–IANS
AJK/PGH