Rift Within Congress Widens, Ashok Gehlot Attacks Kapil Sibal With A Public Rebuttal Over Bihar Debacle

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said Sibal’s call for introspection comment in media was unnecessary and the party is hurt by his reaction.

Senior Congress leader and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot. (Getty Images)

As NDA celebrates the victory in Bihar after Nitish Kumar took oath as the Chief Minister for the 7th term, Congress leaders have indulged into an ugly war of 'Who is to blame for the defeat'.  Kapil Sibal openly criticised Congress leadership saying there has been no word from the party on its abysmal performance in the Bihar assembly election in which Congress’s seat tally went down further compared to the 2015 election. Also Read|Rajasthan Minister Of Social Justice Bhanwarlal Meghwal Passes Away; PM Modi, CM Gehlot Express Condolences In the scathing interview, Kapil Sibal has said, “We are yet to hear from the Congress party their views on our recent performance in Bihar and in the by-elections. Maybe they think all is well and that it should be business as usual.” Kapil Sibal's statement resulted in a sharp response by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as he blamed Sibal for mentioning the party’s internal issue in media. “This has hurt the party workers across the country,” Gehlot said.

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot lauds Sonia Gandhi's leadership

He also said the party had improved with each and every crisis under Sonia Gandhi and would this time too. "Everytime we came out stronger due to our ideology, programs, policies and firm belief in the party leadership. We have improved with each and every crisis and also formed the UPA government in 2004 under the able leadership of Soniaji, we shall overcome this time too," the Congress veteran wrote. “Even today, Congress is the only party which can keep this Nation united and take it forward on the path of comprehensive development,” he added. Kapil Sibal, not mincing words, had said that the party must recognize it is in decline and "experienced minds, experienced hands and those who understand political realities" were needed to revive the organisation. Referring to the Congress's abysmal performance in Bihar as well as bypolls across the country, including in states like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh where the party is still a strong force, Sibal said: "Where we were an alternative the people of that state have not reposed their confidence in the Congress in the manner expected by us. So the time for introspection is over. We know the answers. Congress must be brave and willing to recognise them." Sibal was part of a group of 23 senior Congress leaders who had in August written to party chief Sonia Gandhi making suggestions on ways revive the organisation.