Ex-Congress Leader Shakeel Ahmad Claims Life Under Threat in Bihar
Ahmad claims top Congress leadership instructed attacks following his criticism of Rahul Gandhi
Patna, Jan 27: Former Congress leader Dr. Shakeel Ahmad has claimed that his life is under threat, alleging that Congress leaders in Bihar have been directed to target his homes in Patna and Madhubani following his recent criticism of Rahul Gandhi.
Ahmad said he was “secretly informed” by Youth Congress members that attacks were being planned against him, including protests and effigy burnings, and insisted that he was relaying information provided by party insiders rather than speculating.
“I have not expressed an apprehension, but the leaders of the Youth Congress have informed me this. I thank them for this,” Ahmad said, adding, “They are doing this on the instructions of the top leadership. The top leadership in the Congress today is Mr. Rahul Gandhi; there is no other top leadership.”
The controversy comes after Ahmad described Rahul Gandhi as “darpok (coward)” and “insecure” in remarks last week, drawing strong reactions within party circles. A three time MLA and two-term MP from Bihar, Ahmad quit the Congress after the last state assembly elections but said he continues to support the party ideologically. “My last vote, the last vote I cast before I die, will go to the Congress and its supporting parties,” he said.
Ahmad shared screenshots of WhatsApp messages calling for effigy burning against him, which he claims confirm the threats. Following his statements, security was strengthened outside his residence in Phulwari Sharif, Patna.
The issue has also drawn political reactions from rivals. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla claimed Ahmad’s allegations highlight internal dissent and insecurity within the Congress, asserting that Rahul Gandhi is uncomfortable with strong or independent leaders in the party.
The Congress has not issued an official response to Ahmad’s claims.
