With the Bihar assembly elections approaching next year, the state is witnessing an upsurge in political journeys post-Vijayadashami. Central Minister and BJP stalwart Giriraj Singh's Hindu Pride Journey has sparked controversies. The NDA ally, JDU, has expressed its discontent with a stern stance. JDU leader Neeraj Kumar invoked the constitution, reminding Singh of his oath, emphasizing governance beyond caste and religion.
Indeed, Giriraj Singh's Hindu Pride Journey, slated from October 18 to 22, targets the Muslim-majority Seemanchal region, commencing in Bhagalpur and halting at Kishanganj for its initial milestone. While excluding Bhagalpur, the other towns fall within Seemanchal, a demography rich in Muslim populace.
The Constitution Stands Strong
JDU's displeasure with this journey is palpable. MLC Neeraj Kumar remarked on Nitish Kumar's emergence as a global leader and climate thinker, noting his successful direct engagement strategy with the public. He suggested juxtaposing the Hindu Pride Journey with a constitutional oath to emphasize governance transcending caste and religion, a gesture appealing both aurally and visually.
Nitish Spearheads Development in Seemanchal
Continuing, Neeraj Kumar praised Nitish Kumar's initiatives to enhance Hindu temple pride, like the creation of parks around ancient sites. Highlighting infrastructural progress, like the convenience offered to pilgrims from Sultanganj to Deoghar, he underscored Nitish’s multi-religious inclusivity, fostering development for all, sustaining communal harmony—a testament to remarkable transformation in Seemanchal.
Source: aajtak
Keeping the Public Focused
Previously, JDU leader Vijay Chaudhary addressed Giriraj's journey, prioritizing discussion on development across Bihar and the nation. Emphasizing a public yearning for development beyond distracting issues, he reiterated a developmental narrative within media discourse.
Tejashwi's Political Reemergence amid ED Summons
Meanwhile, opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav will embark on a journey from Wednesday, initiating its second phase from Banka. On his arrival motivated by an ED summons, Neeraj Kumar noted Tejashwi's purported feudal posturing, observing Nitish Kumar's committed governance in Banka.
JDU Allies with BJP in Jharkhand Elections
Preceding the Jharkhand assembly election announcement, JDU hosted a strategic meeting. Party President Nitish Kumar engaged key figures, including Ashok Chaudhary and Sanjay Jha, for electoral deliberations. Post-meeting, Ashok Chaudhary reaffirmed JDU's intent to ally with BJP in Jharkhand, pending seat-sharing negotiations to progress shortly.
Current Scenario in Bihar's NDA Governance
In Bihar, the NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, governs, supported by BJP deputies Vijay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Chaudhary. BJP remains the dominant force with 78 legislators, alongside JDU's 44, HAM's 3, opposed by RJD's 77. Other seats include Congress's 19, CPI(ML)(L)'s 11, CPI(M) and CPI's 2 each, with lone AIMIM and independent representations. With four vacant seats, by-elections remain pending.
