As the Bihar assembly elections draw near, the political landscape is heating up, with the BJP’s recent statewide shutdown facing significant pushback. The shutdown was called in response to derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Modi’s mother. The opposition parties have widely criticized the bandh as ineffective. RJD spokespersons claim the public has seen through the BJP’s attempts to create a false narrative against the RJD and Congress. Here’s a summary of recent major developments in Bihar politics.
**1. Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) National Convention:**
The HAM held its national convention in Delhi, with the opening address given by party patron Jitan Ram Manjhi. The convention brought together key party leaders, including National President Dr. Santosh Kumar Suman and members from across the country. Discussions focused on key resolutions, including condemning the India alliance for alleged insults, preparing for the Bihar assembly elections, advocating for land distribution to Dalit families, emphasizing educational reforms, and strategies for the upcoming elections. Other resolutions included land rights for marginalized communities, employment for migrant workers, social security schemes, and supporting the underprivileged.
**2. Fortunate Future Foundation to Support AAP:**
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is set to receive support from members of the Fortunate Future Foundation. These members, numbering seven lakh, were affected by the PACL investment scam. This announcement was made by National President Surendra Prasad at a press conference held at the AAP Bihar state office.
**3. NDA Women’s Wing ‘Bihar Bandh’:**
The NDA’s women’s wing organized a five-hour ‘Bihar Bandh’ in response to offensive comments made against PM Modi’s mother during rallies held by the Congress and RJD. BJP leaders and workers actively participated, protesting and voicing their dissent.
**4. Prashant Kishor Criticizes the Bandh:**
Prashant Kishor, leading the Jan Suraaj campaign, addressed a rally in Arwal and criticized the BJP’s shutdown, stating it had little impact. He accused NDA leaders of causing disruptions and argued that the public did not support the bandh. Kishor also addressed comments made by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, criticizing his stance on corruption and good governance.
**5. CPI-ML on BJP’s Actions:**
CPI-ML state secretary Kunal accused the BJP of employing tactics reminiscent of goondaism during the bandh. He highlighted instances of harassment and disruption, including targeting ambulances and vendors. Kunal noted that the public widely rejected the shutdown.
**6. BJP Leaders Join RJD:**
Chandan Kumar Singh and Sonu Gupta, along with their supporters, left the BJP and joined the RJD. The event took place at the RJD state office, with the presence of key party leaders.
**7. RJD’s Response to the Shutdown:**
Chittaranjan Gagan, RJD’s state spokesperson, declared that the public of Bihar had rejected the BJP-led bandh. He cited its failure and stated that the public understood the BJP’s attempts to spread false narratives against the RJD and Congress. Gagan pointed out that the bandh was shortened, indicating that the BJP realized its unpopularity.