A political storm erupted in Bihar’s Darbhanga on Wednesday after the district administration allegedly denied permission for a scheduled programme of Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The event, which was to take place at Ambedkar Hostel, was called off at the last minute, sparking accusations of political sabotage.
Speaking to the media, Darbhanga Deputy Mayor Nazia Hasan slammed the administration, calling the denial a "pre-planned conspiracy."
"If the administration did not want to grant us permission, they could have denied it the day we asked. But cancelling the permission at the last minute was a part of a pre-planned conspiracy. The preparations here had been going on for the last 4-5 days," Hasan said.
She further alleged that the decision was politically motivated. “The reason is that the government fears losing its seat in Darbhanga. They are scared that if Rahul Gandhi comes here, he will unite and motivate the youth,” she added.
Reiterating her support for the Congress leader, Hasan said, “Rahul Gandhi does not require a mic or a stage for his voice to be heard. A street and a crossroad are sufficient for him.”
Meanwhile, the Bihar Congress staged protests against the NDA government, claiming that the denial of permission was undemocratic and aimed at suppressing dissent.
