Cong not spoiler of votes in Maharajganj by-poll: PCC chief

Ashok Chaudhary said the growing support for Congress has made Nitish, Lalu jittery

Bihar Pradesh Congress committee president Ashok Chaudhary rubbished allegations that Congress is a "vote katwa" (spoiler of votes) in Maharajganj by-poll and claimed that with a win in the by-election it would stage a comeback in the state.      

 

"It is a wayward allegation (calling Congress a vote katwa)...Congress is winning Maharajganj by-poll," state Congress President Ashok Chaudhary told reporters when asked about reported allegations made by RJD leaders.       

 

The allegations cropped from the fact that Congress has fielded Jitendra Swami, son of former RJD MP Umashankar Singh to disadvantage of RJD nominee Prabhunath Singh, a fellow Rajput casteman.       

 

Chaudhary, who returned to state capital after 10 days of campaigning in Maharajganj, claimed that youths who are highly inspired by Vice President Rahul Gandhi were flocking towards the party in large number which was indication of party's win in the by-poll.      

 

Congress candidate Jitendra Swami is fighting against JD(U) P K Shahi and RJD Prabhunath Singh in Maharajganj by-poll slated for June 2.      

 

Chaudhary said the growing support for Congress has made Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD President Lalu Prasad jittery and this was the reason the two stalwarts were spending considerable time in the by-poll.      

 

Asked about possibility of an alliance with Nitish Kumar's JD(U) in Bihar, Chaudhary flanked by former Union minister Akhilesh Singh, said "as per today Congress is fighting alone to consolidate its position in Bihar...But who knows future."     

 

In reply to a question about absence of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi from Maharajganj by-election considering the fact that Rahul Gandhi is keen for survival of party in Bihar, Chaudhary said it has been tradition of Congress that central leadership does not campaign in by-election.