‘Violated party policy’: Bihar Congress notice against 29 rebels amid deepening party rift

The Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee has issued notices to 29 party leaders demanding they explain their actions following a protest against the state Congress leadership in New Delhi. This comes amid growing tension within the party, exacerbated by the poor performance of the Congress in the recent Bihar Assembly elections. Disciplinary committee chairman Kapildev Prasad Yadav criticized the leaders for "anti-party activities" and indiscipline, stating their participation in the protest violated party policies and amounted to serious misconduct.

The leaders have 72 hours to respond or face potential unilateral disciplinary action. Notable figures served with notices include former MLAs Anil Singh and Poonam Devi, as well as former district Congress presidents from Siwan, West Champaran, Madhepura, and Aurangabad. The protest against Bihar Congress leadership reportedly aimed to remove Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram and AICC in-charge for Bihar Krishna Allavaru, alleging corruption in the party organization.

This latest move follows a similar dispute in February when nine leaders were expelled from the party, challenging their expulsions and demanding the withdrawal of notices against 47 other Congress leaders, including the nine previously expelled. The leaders claimed they sought meetings with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to present their grievances, but were denied appointments.

Despite their claims, the state Congress leadership dismissed their allegations, stating the expelled leaders had already been removed to strengthen the party organization.