Priyanka Gandhi has set foot on Bihar's political landscape for the first time. On the second day of her journey with Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav's 'Voter Rights Journey,' she engaged with the crowd in Supaul, made her way through Madhubani, reached Darbhanga on Tuesday, and is expected to arrive in Sitamarhi via Muzaffarpur on Wednesday. During her two-day tour, Priyanka intends to establish a favorable political climate in the Mithilanchal belt for the Grand Alliance.
Her route takes her through the Mithilanchal area where she aims to garner support from women voters. On Wednesday, Priyanka plans to counter the BJP's 'Hindutva Card' by visiting and offering prayers at Mother Janaki Temple in Sitamarhi.
By marching alongside Rahul and Tejashwi, Priyanka Gandhi is committed to scripting the return of the Grand Alliance to power using the 'Triple-M Formula' — Mithilanchal, Temple, and Women. All eyes are on whether this formula will yield political dividends.
Can Priyanka Gandhi sway Mithilanchal?
Mithilanchal is perceived as a BJP stronghold in Bihar. The political chemistry between BJP and JDU has been pivotal for success in this region. The Grand Alliance has laid out Priyanka Gandhi's itinerary through this bastion during her two-day visit. Traveling from Supaul, through Madhubani and Darbhanga, she is headed for Sitamarhi via Muzaffarpur.
Out of the seven districts in Mithilanchal, Priyanka will make her mark in five through the Voter Rights Journey. It's evident that Congress has crafted Priyanka's roadmap with a well-thought-out strategy aimed at breaking into the NDA's fortress.
The last election saw Mithilanchal saving Nitish Kumar from defeat. Out of 60 Mithilanchal seats, the NDA won 40. Priyanka Gandhi's visits are strategically planned in districts considered BJP-JDU fortresses. Congress has deployed Priyanka Gandhi to challenge this formidable NDA stronghold.
Congress's grand strategy involves Priyanka Gandhi's Mithilanchal journey. Political analysts assert that this year's Bihar Assembly election is crucial for both the Grand Alliance and NDA, with Mithilanchal holding special significance as the NDA dominated here in 2020. Despite gains in Shahabad and Magadh, the opposition lagged behind here. Through Priyanka, Congress aims to rekindle its traditional Brahmin and Dalit voter base.
Bow to Goddess Sita
During her Voter Rights Journey, Priyanka Gandhi will stay overnight in Sitamarhi on Wednesday. She plans to visit and worship at the Mother Janaki Temple as part of her Mithilanchal tour. In Bihar and Mithilanchal, there is considerable devotion towards Goddess Sita. The BJP has sought to gain political credit by establishing the Sita Temple, but Priyanka Gandhi aims to strategically challenge the BJP's 'Hindutva Card' with her temple visit.
Congress's Bihar co-incharge, Sushil Pasi, states that Priyanka's temple visit should not be viewed politically, as she regularly visits major temples regardless of the state. Congress believes using religion for political gain is unnecessary; it's about faith.
Political analysts suggest that Priyanka's 'Soft Hindutva' strategy seeks to penetrate BJP's Hindutva agenda in Bihar. Similar to how BJP challenged Mamata Banerjee in past elections, Priyanka Gandhi is launching her own strategic moves.
Engaging with Women Voter Base
By deploying Priyanka Gandhi in Bihar's political arena, Congress aims to connect with women voters. Female voters are a significant NDA bloc, often credited with Nitish Kumar's repeated political success. Women from all communities and religions trust Nitish. Congress has brought Priyanka to disrupt this strong vote bank. Known for her excellent communication skills, Priyanka has the potential to appeal to and mobilize women voters. Her tour commenced on Teej, a festival celebrated by women, enhancing her outreach to them.
BJP and Congress Moves
Congress emphasizes Priyanka Gandhi's popularity across communities. Her presence in Bihar has ignited excitement among people. BJP questions why Priyanka's Mithilanchal tour, women dialogue, and temple visits have left them concerned.
While the country has seen numerous female politicians, none can match Indira Gandhi's stature. Many see traits of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Priyanka's grandmother, in her. Indians yearn for Priyanka to be as formidable a leader as Indira was. Global leaders once revered Indira Gandhi; today, Priyanka beckons to be the next formidable leader admired worldwide.
BJP states the real issue in Bihar is the reign of Lalu Yadav's Jungle Raj versus NDA's Governance. They assert Priyanka's visit will not generate political gains. Bihar remembers the event in Punjab where derogatory remarks were made about Biharis from a Congress platform, with Priyanka clapping. Additionally, Priyanka's journey with Revanth Reddy has wounded the sentiments of Bihar's populace.
