Following Pappu Yadav's independent nomination from Purnia Lok Sabha, state Congress President Akhilesh Singh has given him an ultimatum to withdraw his nomination. Meanwhile, his wife and Rajya Sabha member Ranjita Ranjan has expressed her sorrow over Yadav not being a part of the Congress party. 'It is regrettable and unfortunate,' she commented.
It is sad that Pappu Yadav did not get a ticket: Ranjita Ranjan
Ranjita Ranjan stated, 'Pappu Yadav is a strong pillar in our politics, and his absence from the India Alliance is a significant loss. His contribution and influence as a thrice-elected MP from Purnia could have been pivotal to our alliance.'
Let's note that before the distribution of tickets for the Lok Sabha elections last month, Pappu Yadav had suddenly merged his Jan Adhikar Party with the Congress in Delhi on March 20th. He claimed to have received assurances from the Congress' top leadership that he would be the India Alliance candidate from the Purnia seat.
Lalu's Pressure Forces Congress to Relinquish Purnia Claim
However, even before this, the seat battle for Purnia intensified between the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal, both part of the Grand Alliance in Bihar. Lalu Yadav gave party symbol to Bima Bharti ahead of seat distribution, fielding her from Purnia. This led to Pappu Yadav's continuous claims to remain in Congress and contest the election on its ticket. When it came to the seat-sharing final decision between Congress and RJD in Delhi, the Congress had to succumb to Lalu Yadav's pressure and withdraw their claim to the Purnia seat.
Pappu Yadav Nominates as an Independent Candidate
Subsequently, Pappu Yadav filed his nomination as an independent on the last day allowed for such actions from Purnia and continues to identify himself as a congress leader. He has claimed that he has the blessings of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.
Congress Issues Ultimatum
To avoid confusion in the Congress and Grand Alliance, Bihar State Congress President Akhilesh Singh has issued an ultimatum to Pappu Yadav to withdraw his nomination. Singh has instructed Yadav to adhere to this direction, stating that their party does not tolerate such disruptions. Bima Bharti is the joint candidate of the Grand Alliance from Purnia, and we aim to ensure her victory.
When asked by Aaj Tak about his reaction to the state president's ultimatum and whether he will withdraw his nomination, Pappu Yadav noncommittally sidestepped directly answering and refused to reconsider his decision.
No One Can Stop Me From Contesting: Pappu
'I have a good personal relationship with Akhilesh Pratap Singh. I am a dedicated Congress soldier. I reside in the heart of every Congress worker. I want to strengthen Congress in Bihar. The nation comes first for my leaders. I have entered this race with the support of Congress. For a year, I have been committed to the 'Pranam Purnia, Salam Purnia' initiative. Everyone is aware of what I have accomplished among the people here. I deserve the position I have. The blessing of the public is with me. We will not leave Purnia; we will continue to serve its people,' Yadav stated. Note that voting for the Lok Sabha election in Purnia will be held during the second phase on April 26th.
