Factionalism Rocks Bihar Congress: Tension Between Former Minister Shakeel Ahmed and State Chief Rajesh Ram

Patna: The Bihar Congress is witnessing intense factionalism and internal strife, with senior leaders openly trading barbs. The latest flashpoint has emerged between former minister Shakeel Ahmed and Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee President Rajesh Ram, highlighting growing tensions within the party.

Rajesh Ram has accused Shakeel Ahmed of being someone who seeks positions without undergoing genuine political struggle. In response, Ahmed pointed out that Ram’s political career is largely built on the legacy of his father, Dilkeshwar Ram.

The unrest comes in the wake of the Congress party’s crushing defeat in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, which not only shook the patience of senior leaders but also intensified intra-party rivalries. Observers note that the party’s internal discipline has eroded, with leaders increasingly confronting each other publicly.

Senior leaders at loggerheads
Factional clashes in Bihar Congress are not new, but the intensity has grown in recent months. Previously, differences had surfaced between leaders like Akhilesh Singh and Bihar in-charge Krishna Allabarru. Today, however, the focus is on the ongoing bitter exchanges between Shakeel Ahmed and Rajesh Ram.

Accusations and counter-accusations
Rajesh Ram, who has been critical of Ahmed in recent statements, said Ahmed has historically secured ministerial and organizational positions without participating in political struggles. “Today, when the Congress faces real challenges, Ahmed has distanced himself from the hard work and struggle that others continue to put in,” he remarked.

Ahmed, in turn, expressed hurt over Ram’s comments but remained measured in tone. He highlighted that Ram’s political journey is rooted in his father’s influence. “He has been an MLA twice, lost elections, and is now state president. Rahul Gandhi appointed him, so he cannot speak against me without fearing his position is at risk,” Ahmed said.

The deeper rift
The friction is also tied to Ahmed’s recent resignation from the Congress party membership, wherein he accused Rahul Gandhi of sidelining Muslims and being an authoritarian leader. Sources suggest Ahmed’s frustration stems from being denied a Rajya Sabha nomination and a position in the party’s working committee, despite his long-standing service.

The feud underscores the continuing internal challenges for Bihar Congress as it grapples with leadership issues and electoral setbacks.