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Shakeel Ahmad’s: Police authorities in Bihar have stepped up security arrangements outside the residences of former Union minister and senior Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad following his claim that there could be an attempt to target his properties. The measures were taken after Ahmad publicly alleged that certain Youth Congress leaders, acting on instructions from the party’s national leadership, might carry out attacks on his homes in Patna and Madhubani.

Police take precautionary steps

Senior officials at the state police headquarters confirmed that additional forces were deployed as a preventive measure. According to officers familiar with the decision, the move was aimed at ensuring law and order and avoiding any untoward incident amid rising political tension. Police sources stressed that the enhanced security was purely precautionary and not linked to any confirmed threat assessment.

Allegations shared on social media

Ahmad, who served as Minister of State for Home Affairs during the first UPA government, made the allegations through a post on social media platform X. In his message, he claimed that he had been discreetly informed by colleagues within the Congress that directives had been issued to state and Youth Congress units to organise a protest on January 27, which could turn violent under the guise of burning an effigy. Describing the alleged plan as undemocratic, Ahmad said such actions went against the core values of political dissent.

Youth Congress stages protest in Patna

While police tightened security around Ahmad’s residences, the Bihar Youth Congress went ahead with demonstrations in the state capital. On Tuesday, party workers gathered at Kargil Chowk in Patna to protest what they described as Ahmad’s repeated and objectionable remarks against Rahul Gandhi. Protesters raised slogans and accused the former minister of making irresponsible statements that, in their view, harmed the party’s image.

Party leaders reject Ahmad’s claims

Bihar Youth Congress president Garib Das dismissed Ahmad’s allegations, asserting that his remarks violated political decorum. He said the statements were part of a deliberate effort to undermine the Congress leadership and confuse party workers. According to Das, internal criticism should be addressed within organisational forums rather than aired publicly in a manner that could weaken the party.

Reactions from Congress legislators

The controversy also drew responses from elected representatives of the Congress in Bihar. MLA Abhishek Ranjan criticised Ahmad’s language, saying that such remarks were unexpected from a leader who had held senior positions and served the party for decades. Speaking to reporters, Ranjan underlined the need for restraint and discipline, especially during a period when the party was trying to consolidate its organisational base in the state.

Protests spread to other districts

Beyond Patna, Youth Congress workers reportedly organised similar demonstrations in several districts across Bihar. Symbolic effigies were burnt as part of the protests, reflecting the growing internal friction within the party’s state unit. Party insiders acknowledged that the public nature of the dispute had added to existing organisational challenges.

Disruptions at Darbhanga event

The internal discord was also visible during the ‘MNREGA Bachao Sangram’ programme held in Darbhanga, where scenes of chaos were reported. Slogans were raised against the state Congress president Rajesh Ram and the All India Congress Committee’s Bihar in-charge, Krishna Allavaru. Organisers were seen struggling to maintain order as workers voiced their dissatisfaction during the event.

BJP criticises Congress infighting

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party was quick to seize on the situation. State BJP spokesperson Prem Ranjan Patel commented that the unrest within the Congress showed that even speaking uncomfortable truths had become difficult within the opposition party. He said the developments reflected deeper internal issues that the Congress would need to address.

Situation under close watch

Police officials indicated that they were monitoring developments closely and would review security arrangements as needed. Meanwhile, political observers noted that the episode highlighted ongoing strains within the Congress in Bihar, at a time when unity is seen as crucial ahead of future electoral battles.