Bihar is witnessing a vibrant political atmosphere leading up to the upcoming assembly elections. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list has significantly intensified the political discourse. While the ruling NDA coalition is actively defending the SIR process, the opposition, in the form of the Mahagathbandhan, is strongly opposing it. The Congress party, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, has launched the ‘Voter Rights Yatra’ to connect with the public and strengthen the Mahagathbandhan. This yatra presents a potential opportunity for Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar, who faced difficulties in previous rallies.
The Congress previously protested the SIR process. In July, the Congress, RJD, and other opposition parties organized a Bihar bandh to protest against the SIR. Rahul Gandhi himself participated in the bandh in Bihar, riding a specially prepared rath with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. However, the event was marred by controversy when videos circulated on social media showing Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar being prevented from boarding the rath. This incident was criticized by opposition parties, particularly the BJP.
During the Bihar bandh, Rahul Gandhi led a procession in Patna, accompanied by Tejashwi Yadav on a rath. Kanhaiya Kumar attempted to join them but was stopped by security personnel. Other leaders, including Dipankar Bhattacharya, Mukesh Sahni, and others, were already on the rath. In a separate incident, Pappu Yadav was prevented from boarding an open van carrying Rahul and Tejashwi Yadav, highlighting the complex dynamics.
Kanhaiya Kumar is known for his strong following among the youth, while Pappu Yadav, a six-time Lok Sabha MP, has a proven record of winning elections independently. The Mahagathbandhan’s protest against the SIR, however, was overshadowed by the incidents involving Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar. The Congress strategists themselves acknowledged the missteps. The Voter Rights Yatra now aims to address these past issues and ensure greater inclusion of Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar.
At a public meeting in Sasaram, Pappu Yadav was seen on the stage with Rahul Gandhi and other prominent leaders. However, he remained on the periphery, separate from Rahul, Tejashwi, and Mukesh Sahni. Kanhaiya Kumar was not present on the stage, but he was seen in conversation with senior Congress leaders.
The Voter Rights Yatra, spanning 16 days, covers over 20 districts and approximately 1300 kilometers. It commenced in Sasaram and will proceed through various districts, culminating in a major rally in Patna. The yatra is a strategic move by the Congress to strengthen its position before the elections.
Tejashwi Yadav is reportedly not particularly fond of Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar. Kanhaiya Kumar’s popularity and his ‘No to Migration’ yatras have aided the Congress in regaining ground in Bihar. The Congress is leveraging Kanhaiya Kumar to reclaim its lost support. However, the RJD’s stance has been less supportive, leading to Kanhaiya Kumar’s absence from their platforms.
Pappu Yadav, with his distinct image and record of public service, faced challenges due to RJD’s opposition, preventing him from securing a Congress ticket. He later won as an independent. 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 evolves, the Congress’s SIR and Voter Rights Yatra are aimed at consolidating their position. The inclusion of Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar is a strategic move to expand their vote bank and improve their performance. For these leaders, it is a positive development, as their experiences from the previous rallies are not being repeated in the current yatra.