New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address his first rally in Bihar ahead of the Lok Sabha polls on Tuesday. He aims to rejuvenate the opposition coalition INDIA, which has been shaken by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's departure.

Gandhi's rally in Purnea district marks the second day of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra across Bihar. The journey began in Kishanganj district, with a night halt in Araria.

Congress legislature party leader in Bihar revealed that AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge will also speak at the rally, along with other leaders from the opposition INDIA bloc. Kanhaiya Kumar, a dynamic young leader from Begusarai district, is expected to attend and engage the crowd with his speeches.

The RJD, the Congress' longstanding ally in Bihar, is likely to be represented by a spokesperson for its leaders Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav. Both were unable to attend due to ED summonses, hindering their visit to Purnea.

Lalu Prasad, facing health issues, underwent extensive questioning by the Enforcement Directorate in Patna, while Tejashwi Yadav is scheduled for questioning on Tuesday regarding an alleged land-for-jobs scam.

Dipankar Bhattacharya, the general secretary of CPI(ML) Liberation, the third-largest party in Bihar's 'Mahagathbandhan', is also scheduled to speak at the rally.

Despite Nitish Kumar's recent switch back to the NDA, Rahul Gandhi refrained from direct criticism. However, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized Kumar's departure, stating that it was a relief for many opposition leaders.

Kumar's return to the NDA came suddenly after he accused the BJP of attempting to split the JD(U) in 2022. This move led to the formation of a new government with the BJP, shaking up Bihar's political landscape.

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