Congress' closest ally RJD says "Rahul Gandhi not sole opposition PM candidate"

The RJD leader, who heads the opposition in the Bihar Assembly, said the Prime Ministerial post was not an issue and there were "several real issues that matter for the country".

Rahul Gandhi not sole opposition PM candidate says Tejashwi Yadav (Picture/Tejashwi's Twitter account)

Patna: Former Deputy CM of Bihar and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday said that Congress President Rahul Gandhi is not the only leader in the race from the opposition for the Prime Minister's post. "All the opposition parties will sit together to decide the name of the Prime Ministerial candidate. Rahul Gandhi is not the only leader in the race for it," the former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister was quoted by news agency IANS here. "There are other opposition leaders like (West Bengal Chief Minister) Mamata Banerjee, (Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister) Chandrababu Naidu, (NCP chief) Sharad Pawar and (BSP leader) Mayawati," he said. The matter became of high interest after Rahul Gandhi in May this year expressed his willingness to become the prime minister if the Congress or a coalition led by the party wins next year’s Lok Sabha elections. Tejashwi’s comments assume significance as the Congress has been leading the Opposition front to dislodge the BJP from power in next year’s crucial general elections. This may be also worrying signs for the grand old party who want Rahul or its party member to be the frontrunner for the top post. Although, the party has often said it does not hold the tradition of announcing the prime minister’s face ahead of elections.

Oh that wink my friend! Hit them hard where it hurts..Congratulations for unearthing their mines of lies & a fantastic speech @RahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/lMlBFoYGwv

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) July 20, 2018

Lalu’s son, however, made it clear that he and his Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) would extend support to anyone who is named the Prime Ministerial candidate by a united opposition. "Our main concern is that opposition parties will name a leader who will save the Constitution. Rahul Gandhi may be that leader." "Rahul Gandhi has to unite all non-BJP parties for a strong grand alliance," he added, adding that the Congress had a pan-India presence. The RJD leader, who heads the opposition in the Bihar Assembly, said the Prime Ministerial post was not a matter of issue as there are several others that need more attention. The Congress has had the backing of RJD and Lalu Prasad through thick and thin. Gandhi had recently visited Lalu at AIIMS to enquire about his health.  The two parties this year though had hit a rocky patch over Bhabhua bypoll seat but Tejashwi later cleared the air saying “there’s no discord between the two parties.”