Former Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad revealed in an interview that he had advised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to make regular temple visits, not just during elections. However, Ahmad claimed that his advice was disregarded by Gandhi. Ahmad, a three-time MLA and two-term MP from Bihar, has been openly critical of the Congress leadership since resigning from the party after the Bihar Assembly elections.
Ahmad alleged that the Congress high command had directed an attack on his residences in Patna and Madhubani under the guise of protests and effigy burning. Following these claims, security was increased outside his residence in Patna’s Phulwari Sharif area. Ahmad criticized Rahul Gandhi for what he perceived as selective temple visits and accused him of using religious symbolism for political gain.
Ahmad further escalated his criticism, accusing Rahul Gandhi of sidelining senior Congress leaders and preferring to focus attention on himself. He claimed that Gandhi is averse to prominent leaders like Shashi Tharoor and P. Chidambaram and tends to favor Youth Congress and NSUI members during meetings. Ahmad emphasized that his intentions were not to make serious allegations but to offer constructive criticism as a well-wisher of the Congress party.
