Bihar Cong rebels hopeful of ousting state unit chief Sharma

PATNA: After breaking free from alliance partner RJD, Bihar Congress is projecting itself as a major stakeholder in state politics. It has declared that it will battle out on its own strength to retrieve lost ground. Though this may sound inspirational, the battle seems to be over continuation of state party chief Anil Sharma.

Those opposed to Mr Sharma are gunning for him and have even apprised the high command that they would not compromise on the demand for his removal. Mr Sharma has been facing opposition from the day he was anointed state party chief. Even though the party in charge of Bihar affairs, Mr Jagdish Tytler, has been backing Mr Sharma, disgruntled leaders refused to relent over their demand for his removal. “We were even threatened that action will be initiated against us if we do not fall in the line. But we will not be softened by such threats. Sharma will have to go, his continuation is a non-negotiable issue for us “ said a Sharma baiter.

Almost all 10 MLAs, including legislature party leader Ashok Kumar, are against Mr Sharma, who they say do no have the political stature to lead the party at a time when the assembly elections are barely 8 months away. “It is not only legislators who want a replacement for Sharma. Majority of Congressmen are united on the issue. Tell me who will accept Sharma as their leader given the fact that he has not even won any election,” said a rebel.
The rebels, comprising Ashok Kumar, Awdhesh Kumar Singh, Mahachander Prasad Singh and several other leaders, are now camping in New Delhi to force the high command hand. Even Mr Sharma is in Delhi to lobby his case with the central leadership.

Acknowledged as a political protégé of Mr Tytler, Mr Sharma has, however, managed to keep his fort even though detractors have been campaigning hard against him. But now there are reports about a possible rift between Mr Sharma and Mr Tytler and this has given credence to speculation that the PCC chief’s days were numbered. The rebels are now optimistic that the high command will step in to clear the suspense that has been building over the continuation of Mr Sharma.