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Patna, January 18, 2025: Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, met with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi at their residence during his visit to Patna on Saturday. The meeting, which also included Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, lasted approximately 30 minutes and has been deemed politically significant.
Rahul Gandhi, who is on a one-day tour of Bihar, was warmly welcomed by the RJD family at Rabri Devi’s residence. Tejashwi Yadav personally accompanied Gandhi during the visit, offering a guided tour of the residence and engaging in friendly discussions. The interaction showcased the camaraderie between the Congress and the RJD, long-time allies in Bihar politics.
Though no official statement was released about the topics discussed during the meeting, political observers consider it a critical moment for the opposition’s INDIA alliance. The Congress and RJD are key partners in the alliance, working together to counter the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at both the state and national levels.
Rahul Gandhi’s visit comes at a time when opposition unity is being emphasized to present a formidable challenge to the BJP in the 2024 general elections and upcoming state elections. Political analysts view the meeting as a reaffirmation of the INDIA bloc’s unity and shared vision for a progressive and inclusive political agenda.
Before meeting Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rahul Gandhi held a separate discussion with Tejashwi Yadav at Hotel Maurya in Patna. While the details of both meetings remain undisclosed, the back-to-back interactions have fueled speculation about strategic planning within the INDIA alliance. These meetings are being interpreted as a move to strengthen coordination and collaboration among opposition leaders, particularly in Bihar, which is a politically crucial state.
Speaking informally to reporters, an RJD insider stated, “Rahul Gandhi’s visit and his discussions with Lalu Ji and Tejashwi Ji symbolize the strong bond between the Congress and RJD. Together, they are committed to addressing the concerns of the people and ensuring a united opposition front against the BJP.”
Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Lalu Prasad Yadav holds symbolic importance, given Lalu’s stature as a veteran politician and advocate for social justice. The meeting is seen as a gesture of respect and solidarity, particularly as Lalu Prasad Yadav remains a towering figure in Bihar’s political landscape.
For Tejashwi Yadav, the interaction with Gandhi underscores the close partnership between the younger generation of opposition leaders. As both leaders represent a vision for the future of their respective parties, the collaboration between Gandhi and Tejashwi is viewed as a step toward creating a strong alternative to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The INDIA alliance, comprising multiple opposition parties, has been working to consolidate its strategy and present a united front ahead of key elections. Rahul Gandhi’s outreach efforts, including his engagement with allies like the RJD, reflect the Congress party’s focus on regional partnerships and grassroots connections.
While the details of their discussions remain confidential, experts suggest that the meetings likely touched on critical issues such as coordination for the 2024 elections, addressing challenges faced by Bihar’s citizens, and strengthening the alliance’s campaign narrative.
The back-to-back meetings with Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav reinforce the importance of Bihar in national politics. As a state with a significant voter base and a history of shaping political narratives, Bihar remains a key focus for opposition parties.Rahul Gandhi’s visit has not only highlighted the Congress-RJD alliance but also sent a strong message of unity within the INDIA bloc. The meetings are expected to pave the way for deeper coordination among alliance partners and bolster their collective efforts to challenge the BJP’s dominance.Rahul Gandhi’s Patna visit reflects his commitment to fostering opposition unity and strengthening ties with key allies. As the INDIA alliance prepares for the 2024 general elections, such meetings are likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the political discourse in Bihar and beyond.For now, the Congress and RJD appear aligned in their mission to present a united front and work toward a shared vision of governance and development. The visit has further cemented the bond between the two parties, signaling a strong foundation for future collaborations.