The statements of Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar are once again making waves. Known for criticizing the government's failure to provide basic amenities in Bihar, Kanhaiya Kumar has now questioned the billion-dollar Bharatmala Project. Kanhaiya has raised concerns about why this project is being developed and for whom, especially when there isn't much to support in Bihar.
Having lost twice – once from Begusarai and once from Delhi – Kanhaiya, along with Congress, sees the upcoming Bihar assembly elections as an uphill political battle where Congress hopes to stage a significant comeback. However, Kanhaiya and Congress face stiff competition from both the BJP and RJD icon, Lalu's son, Tejashwi Yadav.
Whenever there's a comparison between personalities in Bihar, Kanhaiya often stands against Tejashwi. With his JNU background and communication acumen, Kanhaiya often gets an edge over Tejashwi, which gives Lalu Yadav constant migraines.
In Darbhanga, Kanhaiya questioned the government's intentions regarding this project, suggesting that it's designed to benefit large industrialists. He passionately argued,
"What Bihar possesses is what the world will soon envy; Bihar has water... Remember my words, what we're saying in this press conference: water is going to become more precious than petrol, because you can't quench thirst with petrol. Given how water is diminishing worldwide, global capitalists and businessmen are eyeing Bihar's water."
As part of his pre-election tour, Kanhaiya Kumar embarked on the 'Stop Migration - Provide Jobs’ campaign, criticizing how Bihar never got industries back when it was the trend. While industries naturally emerging now are only set up in small scales, failing to provide significant job opportunities to locals, they seem more concerned with exploiting local resources.
No Interest if No Revenue!
During his motivational rally for Congress workers in Darbhanga, Kanhaiya was welcomed with the traditional Mithila customs of pag and chadar. He remarked on the lack of income, wondering for whom these broad roads are being built. "They are making roads to smuggle out the state's resources," said Kanhaiya, arguing,
'BJP wants to ensure one of their own governs Bihar, so they can hand over resources to business tycoons like Adani. If there's no revenue, why the interest?'
What is the Bharatmala Project?
The Bharatmala Pariyojana is a significant road and highway development plan initiated by the Indian government in 2017. This project also passes through Bihar, with multiple four-lane and six-lane roads scheduled for construction. These routes will enhance connectivity between Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, benefiting districts like Patna, Gaya, Samastipur, and Madhubani. It's anticipated to not only provide better connectivity but also boost local employment and trading opportunities.
Kanhaiya's Third Attempt at Elections
Kanhaiya Kumar's political journey began with the controversial JNU speech event, propelling him into the limelight due to his compelling oratory. Despite his popularity, electoral success has eluded him. Kanhaiya contested two Lok Sabha elections but faced defeats both times. In 2019, he ran from Begusarai on a Communist Party of India ticket yet lost the election.
By 2024, Kanhaiya had joined Congress and challenged BJP's Manoj Tiwari from Northeast Delhi. Unfortunately, he experienced another defeat. Hence, the upcoming Bihar assembly elections are critical for Kanhaiya and Congress, igniting fervent campaigning on his behalf.
Politically, the reactions to Kanhaiya's statements are noteworthy. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla commented, labeling him unreliable due to his affiliation with Rahul Gandhi’s followers.
RJD MP Manoj Jha, when questioned, dodged the topic and shifted focus to Tejashwi, stating Tejashwi has drawn a line that the BJP must address.
Can Kanhaiya be Congress's Hope in Bihar?
Kanhaiya Kumar's campaign symbolizes Congress's effort to rejuvenate its hopes in Bihar. The party appears active much earlier this time compared to previous elections. Considering social dynamics and seat-sharing equations, Congress has delegated state leadership to Dalit figure Rajesh Ram. Kanhaiya's campaign, focusing on curbing migration and creating employment, involves leaders like Pawan Khera and Abhay Dubey accompanying him across Bihar.
Will Kanhaiya Lift Congress's Fortunes?
In preparation for the elections, Congress aims to establish a platform in Bihar before any seat-sharing negotiations with RJD occur. Insiders note Lalu Yadav’s preference might sway away from involving Kanhaiya due to comparisons with Tejashwi. However, Congress is aware of Tejashwi's appeal among young voters, offering promises of ample job opportunities at every rally. In such a scenario, can Kanhaiya shoulder Congress's hopes and strategically position them, considering Congress was the fourth in line during the last elections?
Unquestionably, Kanhaiya and Congress remain enthusiastic, reading public sentiment amid this political atmosphere. Kanhaiya imbibes the essence of Bihar, hopping onto autos and savoring the local drink, sattu, to establish rapport with the people. Reminiscing the previous state elections, where Congress contested 70 seats and won 19, if successful, Kanhaiya's journey could potentially strengthen their bargaining position.
