Rahul Gandhi and Kanhaiya Kumar during a political rally in 2024
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Why Kanhaiya Kumar Was Stopped from Riding with Rahul Gandhi During Bihar Bandh Protest

What Happened The Bihar Bandh protest on July 9 2025 showed big problems in the INDIA opposition alliance. Congress leader…

What Happened

The Bihar Bandh protest on July 9 2025 showed big problems in the INDIA opposition alliance. Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar and Purnia MP Pappu Yadav were stopped by security people from getting into the car with Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav. This event has started many talks about the unity of opposition parties in Bihar and India.

The Main Event Details

What Took Place During Bihar Bandh

On Wednesday Kanhaiya Kumar and Pappu Yadav tried to get into the van with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav during the Bihar Bandh rally in Patna. But security guards stopped them from joining. Videos of this event show Kanhaiya Kumar and Pappu Yadav being blocked from getting in the van. This has made people think about fights inside the alliance.

The Security Action

A video of this event is now online. It shows security people stopping Kanhaiya Kumar and Pappu Yadav from joining them. But many other Mahagathbandhan leaders were allowed to share the stage with Rahul and Tejashwi. This different treatment has become a big talking point in Bihar politics.

Political Background and Simple Facts

Rahul Gandhi and Kanhaiya Kumar addressing media during protest march

Bihar Political Scene

Bihar is always important for national politics. It has 40 Lok Sabha seats which makes it a key fight area. The INDIA alliance has Congress RJD and other opposition parties working together to challenge the BJP JDU government in the state. But internal power fights and leadership problems often come up during public events.

Kanhaiya Kumar standing with Rahul Gandhi at a Congress event

Kanhaiya Kumar Position

NSUI national leader Kanhaiya Kumar is called Congress most powerful leader in Bihar. His growing power in Bihar Congress has made RJD leadership worry about challenges to their control in the state.

The Protest Background

The rally was part of the INDIA opposition alliance protest against the Election Commission voter list revision process. Political watchers note that Pappu Yadav was the first to announce a Chakka Jam against the voter list revision. Later Congress and RJD took over this protest.

Key People and Their Reactions

Prashant Kishor Comments

Prashant Kishor has praised NSUI national leader Kanhaiya Kumar calling him Congress most powerful leader in Bihar. He also talked about internal fights within the INDIA bloc. Kishor said that the Rashtriya Janata Dal RJD is scared of leaders like Kanhaiya because they fear these leaders may challenge the leadership.

This proves what we have been saying that the RJD leadership is so scared of people like Kanhaiya Kumar. They feel that if a new person comes he will challenge the leadership. Kishor also said that RJD will never want leaders like him or other powerful leaders to be active in the Congress.

BJP Political Response

The incident has triggered criticism from the BJP Janata Dal United and other opposition parties. BJP Shehzad Poonawalla attacked the incident saying Bihar two nawabs disrespected Pappu Yadav. Not letting Kanhaiya Kumar on the truck either shows that only Parivarwaadi Nawabs were allowed on the truck.

Alliance Problems and Internal Politics

Power Fight Within INDIA Alliance

The incident has shown the complex power problems within the INDIA alliance in Bihar. Kanhaiya is known to be close to Rahul and Pappu Yadav has had many talks with him. But both were not only denied space on the chariot but physically stopped. The one controlling the chariot clearly did not want them there according to political watchers.

Congress RJD Relations

Congress has no base in Bihar. Congress only does what the RJD leadership decides according to political analysts. This dependency has created a situation where RJD leadership feels threatened by emerging Congress leaders who might challenge their control in Bihar politics.

Impact on Bihar Politics

Short Term Results

The incident has given ammunition to BJP and JDU to attack the opposition unity. BJP Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Congress Rahul Gandhi and RJD Tejashwi Yadav for allegedly sidelining Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar during a Bihar protest. The incident highlights internal tensions within the opposition INDIA alliance.

Long Term Effects

This public display of internal discord could weaken the INDIA alliance credibility in Bihar. Voters who expect united opposition against BJP might lose confidence in the alliance ability to provide stable governance.

Media and Public Reaction

Social Media Response

Videos of the incident have gone viral on social media platforms creating widespread discussion about opposition unity. Many political commentators have questioned the wisdom of such public displays of internal conflicts.

Press Coverage

National and regional media have extensively covered the incident. Most outlets focus on the implications for opposition unity. The incident has become a talking point in political talk shows and newspaper editorials across the country.

Analysis and Expert Views

Political Expert Views

Political analysts suggest that the incident reflects deeper issues within the INDIA alliance. The competition for leadership roles and influence in key states like Bihar has created tensions that are now spilling into public view.

Future Results

This incident might force the INDIA alliance leadership to address internal power sharing arrangements more clearly. Without resolving these issues the alliance risks losing credibility with voters who expect a united opposition.

What This Means for Bihar

Opposition Unity Problems

The incident shows that the INDIA alliance faces serious internal problems. When opposition leaders cannot even travel together in the same vehicle it raises questions about their ability to work together for voters.

BJP Advantage

The ruling BJP can use this incident to show that the opposition is divided and cannot provide stable leadership. This gives BJP a political advantage in Bihar where unity among opposition parties is crucial for challenging the ruling party.

Voter Confidence

Bihar voters who want a strong opposition to BJP might lose faith in the INDIA alliance. If opposition leaders fight among themselves publicly voters may think they cannot run the government properly.

Simple Summary

The incident involving Kanhaiya Kumar and Pappu Yadav being stopped from getting into Rahul Gandhi vehicle during the Bihar Bandh protest has shown big cracks in the INDIA alliance. While the immediate cause was security protocol the real reasons appear to be rooted in power struggles and leadership conflicts within the opposition ranks.

For the INDIA alliance to remain effective in challenging the BJP it must address these internal tensions openly. The incident serves as a wake up call for opposition leaders to prioritize unity over individual political ambitions. As Bihar prepares for future elections the alliance ability to resolve these conflicts will determine its electoral prospects.

The political effects of this incident will likely continue to influence Bihar politics and the broader opposition landscape in India. How the INDIA alliance handles this crisis will be crucial for its future as a credible alternative to the ruling BJP.

Bihar politics has always been complex with many parties competing for power. This incident shows that even when parties form alliances they still have internal fights that can hurt their chances against the ruling party. The incident also highlights the importance of proper coordination and communication among alliance partners.


During the recent Bihar Bandh protest, Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar was stopped from riding in the same vehicle as Rahul Gandhi, raising questions among supporters and media.

Sources suggest the move was due to tight security protocols around Rahul Gandhi, who receives high-level protection. Others believe it reflects internal dynamics within the Congress party, especially with Kanhaiya being a relatively new member.

Kanhaiya later said the focus should remain on the issues of Bihar’s youth, not on personal placement during the protest.

Read more from verified sources:
Indian Express Coverage
NDTV Report
The Wire Article

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