Former Union Minister Shakeel Ahmed Claims Threat to His Safety After Criticising Rahul Gandhi

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Shakeel Ahmed has triggered a major political controversy in Bihar after alleging a threat to his life and property following sharp criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Ahmed claimed that the party’s top leadership had allegedly instructed Bihar Congress and Youth Congress workers to target his residences in Patna and Madhubani.

The controversy erupted after Ahmed described Rahul Gandhi as an “insecure” and “fearful” leader during a recent podcast, questioning his leadership style and decision-making within the Congress party. Following these remarks, Ahmed took to social media to issue an alert, stating that he had received confidential information about a possible attack on his homes under the pretext of a protest.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ahmed wrote that he had been informed that party workers were allegedly planning to stage demonstrations and vandalism at his residences on January 27, calling such actions “against the principles of democracy.”

Speaking to a news channel, Ahmed further accused Rahul Gandhi of being uncomfortable with strong and influential leaders within the party. He claimed that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge holds only a nominal position, while key decisions are taken by Rahul Gandhi behind the scenes. According to Ahmed, Rahul Gandhi prefers working in environments where he enjoys unquestioned authority and sidelines leaders who challenge him.

The former minister also questioned the effectiveness of the Congress party’s “Save the Constitution” campaign, alleging that it has failed to resonate with the public at the grassroots level. Referring to the party’s outreach to minority communities, Ahmed claimed that even sections of the Muslim community are unconvinced by the Congress leadership’s narrative and accused the party of engaging in symbolic politics driven by electoral calculations.

Despite his strong remarks, Ahmed clarified that his criticism is directed at Rahul Gandhi alone and not the Congress party as a whole. He categorically denied reports suggesting that he might join another political party. However, he took a swipe at the party’s electoral strategy, indirectly criticising the role of political strategist Prashant Kishor, remarking that “when the coach starts batting, the team’s performance is bound to suffer.”

Ahmed’s allegations have intensified political tensions in Bihar, with reactions awaited from the Congress leadership. Meanwhile, party insiders have not officially responded to the claims of a planned attack.