The political landscape in Bihar is abuzz with activity as the Assembly elections draw near. NDA leaders have expressed confidence in their alliance, stating that seat-sharing arrangements will be finalized before the elections. JDU leaders have criticized Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, claiming that those who identify with Jananayak Karpoori Thakur will face a strong response from the public in the forthcoming elections. Here’s a summary of major developments in Bihar’s politics.
1. NDA Alliance: Solid Unity, Clarity Expected Before Elections
A joint press conference was held on Tuesday at the BJP state office in Patna, involving state presidents from the NDA coalition parties. Key figures, including BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal, JDU state president Umesh Kushwaha, and LJP Ram Vilas state president Raju Tiwari, emphasized their unified front. They assured that seat-sharing concerns would be addressed before the elections, highlighting the alliance’s strength.
BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal mentioned the commencement of the NDA’s assembly worker conference on August 23, which was preceded by a press conference. He noted the successful completion of the first phase of the worker conference at the assembly level.
2. India to Become Number One Nation: Dharmendra Pradhan
The Youth of Bihar @2047 Student Conclave took place on Tuesday at Gyan Bhawan in Patna. The event was addressed by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP state president Dr. Dilip Jaiswal, and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary. Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted his vision for India to be a global leader, while stressing that Bihar must take the lead in this endeavor.
He asserted that India is not merely a ‘dharamshala’. He questioned the voting rights of Bangladeshis in the country, asserting that the benefits are for the people of India. He criticized those who previously engaged in activities like stealing fodder and land, urging them to witness Bihar’s development. He recalled the Emergency imposed by the Congress and the subsequent denial of rights. He also mentioned Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav’s association with the Telangana CM, who questioned Bihar’s identity.
3. Setback for Pashupati Paras’s Party
Pashupati Paras’s party faced a setback on Tuesday. A total of 105 workers, including the Vaishali district president, joined the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). LJP (R) state president Raju Tiwari welcomed the new members during a ceremony.
4. Virtual Meeting Regarding NDA Assembly Worker Conference
A key meeting took place on Tuesday at the JDU state office in Patna, chaired by JDU state president Umesh Singh Kushwaha. The meeting evaluated the conferences held during the first phase of the NDA Assembly worker conference. District program coordinators, organization in-charges, and assembly in-charges participated virtually. The state president commended the officials for the successful initial phase and gave guidance for future programs. Furthermore, the voter’s in-depth revision campaign and the ongoing assembly-wise campaign by Mahila JDU and Yuva JDU were also reviewed.
5. JDU Slams Those Claiming to be Jananayak
JDU spokespersons Himraj Ram and Parimal Kumar criticized Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, stating that the public will give a strong response to those presenting themselves as Jananayak Karpoori Thakur in the upcoming elections. They accused them of disrespecting Karpoori Thakur. They also mentioned Lalu Prasad Yadav’s alleged disregard for Karpoori Thakur and Dalits, recounting an incident when Lalu Prasad allegedly refused to provide a car for Karpoori Thakur.
6. Priyanka Gandhi’s Remarks Criticized
JDU state president Umesh Singh Kushwaha criticized Priyanka Gandhi, accusing the Congress party of consistently disrespecting Bihar and its people. He cited the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, where Priyanka Gandhi allegedly applauded a disparaging statement made by the then-Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. He questioned the ethical basis of her campaigning in Bihar, given the Congress’s stance. He asserted that the people of Bihar will respond to the Congress in the upcoming elections.