Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha, a key ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), sharply criticized the opposition’s Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) in Bihar, calling it a “group driven by selfish motives” with “no meaning.” In an interview with PTI Videos, Kushwaha contrasted the opposition’s disunity with the NDA’s cohesion, asserting that “everything is fine” within the ruling coalition as Bihar gears up for its 2025 assembly elections.

Kushwaha dismissed the opposition’s protests against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls, labeling their claims of mass voter deletions as “false.” He argued that the SIR targets only deceased voters, duplicates, or those who have relocated, aligning with routine electoral cleanup. “If the opposition believes names were wrongly removed, they should present evidence to the media or the Election Commission,” he challenged, noting that the Supreme Court is also reviewing the issue.

The RLM leader took aim at the Voter Adhikar Yatra, led by Congress’ Rahul Gandhi and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, which began on August 17 and will conclude with a march in Patna on September 1. Kushwaha downplayed its impact, stating that despite high-profile participation from leaders like Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, the yatra will fail to sway voters. “It’s election time, so they may hold meetings, but they won’t succeed,” he asserted.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi’s Yatra to End with Patna March

While no formal seat-sharing talks have occurred within the NDA, Kushwaha expressed confidence that arrangements will be finalized timely, reinforcing the coalition’s stability. His remarks counter the opposition’s narrative, particularly the yatra’s focus on alleged “vote theft” through the SIR, which critics claim could disenfranchise up to 65 lakh voters, especially from marginalized communities.

Kushwaha highlighted internal fissures within the Grand Alliance, pointing to Rahul Gandhi’s reluctance to endorse Tejashwi Yadav as the chief ministerial candidate. “This itself makes the opposition’s position clear,” he said, suggesting a lack of unified leadership. With the NDA, led by Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and the BJP, holding firm, Kushwaha’s comments aim to project confidence in retaining power against a fragmented opposition.

Also Read: MK Stalin Joins Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar