The political climate in Bihar is intensifying as the state gears up for the upcoming assembly elections. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list has become a focal point, triggering strong reactions from various political factions. The ruling NDA coalition is actively defending the SIR process, while the opposition, primarily the Mahagathbandhan, is vehemently opposing it. The Congress party, spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi with the ‘Voter Rights Yatra,’ is actively working to garner public support and solidify the Mahagathbandhan. This yatra is also seen as a potential turning point for Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar, who faced certain challenges in previous political gatherings.
Prior to the current yatra, the Congress demonstrated its opposition to the SIR process. Along with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties, the Congress called for a Bihar bandh in July to protest the SIR. Rahul Gandhi himself joined the protest, riding on a specially designed rath with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. However, certain incidents during this event created controversy, especially when Pappu Yadav, the MP from Purnia, and Kanhaiya Kumar were not allowed to board the rath, as shown in viral videos. The opposition, particularly the BJP, criticized these actions.
During the Bihar bandh, Rahul Gandhi led a rally in Patna, alongside Tejashwi Yadav. Kanhaiya Kumar’s attempts to join the procession were thwarted by security personnel. Other leaders like Dipankar Bhattacharya and Mukesh Sahni were already on the rath. Another incident involved Pappu Yadav being stopped from boarding an open van carrying Rahul and Tejashwi Yadav.
Kanhaiya Kumar has a substantial youth following in Bihar, and Pappu Yadav, a six-time Lok Sabha MP, has a strong base of support. The Mahagathbandhan’s protest against the SIR was somewhat overshadowed by the exclusion of Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar from the previous event. The Congress is now taking corrective measures to address these issues.
At a public meeting in Sasaram during the Voter Rights Yatra, Pappu Yadav shared the stage with Rahul Gandhi and other prominent leaders. Though he remained on the periphery. Kanhaiya Kumar was seen interacting with senior Congress leaders.
The 16-day Voter Rights Yatra, covering a vast distance and numerous districts, is seen as a strategic move by the Congress before the elections. The aim is to enhance the party’s position in the state.
Tejashwi Yadav is reportedly not particularly close to Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar. Kanhaiya Kumar’s popularity and previous initiatives have helped the Congress in Bihar. The Congress aims to leverage Kanhaiya Kumar to regain lost ground, although he has not always been embraced by the RJD.
Pappu Yadav has a unique image and has been a known supporter of the people, and he faced opposition from RJD which prevented him from getting a Congress ticket. During the Sasaram yatra, Pappu Yadav sought blessings from Lalu Yadav, which was shared by Tejashwi Yadav on social media.
As Bihar’s politics evolve, the Congress hopes to build its position through the SIR and Voter Rights Yatra. The inclusion of Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar is a move to expand their vote bank and improve the party’s performance. For these leaders, the current yatra presents a good opportunity, as they seem to be receiving more positive attention this time.
