'Lost ticket because I didn't pay bribe': Bihar Congress MLA
What's the story
Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, a sitting MLA from Kasba, Afaque Alam, has accused top party leaders, including Congress chief Rajesh Ram, state in-charge Krishna Allavaru, and legislative party leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan, of demanding bribes. He alleged that he was denied a ticket because he refused to pay. "Tickets were distributed in exchange for money. Those who could pay were given preference. I lost my ticket because I refused to pay," Alam claimed.
Extortion claims
'Institutionalized extortion'
Alam has demanded an investigation by the party's central leadership into what he calls "institutionalized extortion." The controversy intensified after an audio clip allegedly featuring a conversation between Alam and Ram went viral. In the clip, Alam is heard asking for his symbol for the Kasba seat, while Ram tells him that "everything has been approved," but the "symbol in-charge" is withholding it.
Denial issued
MP Pappu Yadav's response
In the clip, Ram also allegedly said that Independent MP Pappu Yadav is lobbying for another candidate. When Alam questions Yadav's involvement, Ram responds, "Ask the high command who Pappu Yadav is." However, Yadav has denied any influence on Congress's ticket decisions. He said if he had any influence, candidates he supported would have received tickets but didn't.
Alliance tensions
Seat-sharing tussle in Mahagathbandhan
The scandal comes at a time when the Mahagathbandhan alliance is struggling to finalize seat-sharing arrangements. Earlier, RJD leader Madan Shah claimed that Lalu Yadav had promised him a ticket from the Madhuban constituency, but the seat was "sold" to a "BJP agent." "RJD leader Sanjay Yadav had demanded ₹2.7 crore, and when I refused to pay, the party ticket was given to someone else," he said.