The political scene in Bihar is heating up in anticipation of the upcoming assembly elections. A key point of contention is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, which has intensified political activity. The ruling NDA is backing the SIR process, while the opposition, united in the Mahagathbandhan, is strongly against it. The Congress, through Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Voter Rights Yatra,’ aims to connect with the public and consolidate the Mahagathbandhan. This yatra could be particularly beneficial for Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar, who faced challenges in previous political events.
The Congress previously protested the SIR process, joining with the RJD and other opposition parties to call for a Bihar bandh. Rahul Gandhi himself participated in the bandh, riding on a specially prepared rath with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. However, the event was marred by controversy as Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar were not allowed to board the rath. This was criticized by the opposition, especially the BJP.
During the Bihar bandh, a procession was held in Patna, led by Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav. Kanhaiya Kumar was prevented from joining, while other leaders, including Dipankar Bhattacharya and Mukesh Sahni, were already on the rath. In another incident, Pappu Yadav was blocked from boarding an open van carrying Rahul and Tejashwi Yadav.
Kanhaiya Kumar enjoys significant support among the youth, 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 events that excluded Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar. The Congress is now taking steps to address these previous incidents.
At a public meeting in Sasaram, Pappu Yadav was present on stage with Rahul Gandhi, along with other leaders. Although he maintained a distance. Kanhaiya Kumar was observed interacting with senior Congress leaders.
The Voter Rights Yatra, spanning 16 days and covering many districts, is seen as a strategic move by the Congress before the elections. The aim is to boost the party’s position in the state.
Tejashwi Yadav is reportedly not particularly close to Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar. Kanhaiya Kumar’s influence and past initiatives have helped the Congress in Bihar. The Congress aims to leverage Kanhaiya Kumar to regain lost ground, but the RJD has not fully supported him.
Pappu Yadav has a distinct image and has helped a lot of people. He did not get a Congress ticket due to opposition. During the Sasaram yatra, Pappu Yadav sought blessings from Lalu Yadav, a moment shared by Tejashwi Yadav on social media.
As Bihar’s political landscape changes, the Congress hopes to strengthen its position through the SIR and Voter Rights Yatra. The inclusion of Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar is a strategic move to expand its vote bank and improve its performance. For these leaders, it’s a positive development, as they are getting more attention this time.