CPI(ML) Leader Distances from Pappu Yadav's Support for Rahul Gandhi as Mahagathbandhan Leader

Dipankar Bhattacharya, CPI(ML) leader, disassociated from MP Pappu Yadav's endorsement of Rahul Gandhi as the Mahagathbandhan's face for Bihar elections, clarifying it does not align with Congress or the alliance's views. The upcoming polls will see a showdown between NDA and Mahagathbandhan alliances.

CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya has publicly distanced himself from recent remarks made by Independent MP Pappu Yadav, which supported Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as the figurehead of the Mahagathbandhan in the forthcoming Bihar elections. Bhattacharya clarified that Yadav's endorsement does not mirror the official position of either the Congress party or the wider alliance.

In a statement to ANI, Bhattacharya emphasized uncertainty regarding Yadav's party affiliation, stating, "I don't know which party Pappu Yadav is associated with—whether he's with Congress or not. His statement may be his personal opinion, but it is not the position of the Congress party." Yadav had earlier suggested Rahul Gandhi as the 'face of the alliance' to lead the Mahagathbandhan's electoral campaign in Bihar.

Yadav claimed substantial public enthusiasm for the INDIA alliance, advocating Rahul Gandhi as its leader, appealing to voters from backward communities, SC, and ST groups. However, Bhattacharya's clarification indicated that election strategies should not revolve around a Chief Minister's candidate in advance. The impending Bihar elections are a significant contest between the NDA, led by several prominent parties, and the Mahagathbandhan.

(With inputs from agencies.)