In response to the Voter List Revision (SIR) issues, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi walked 1300 kilometers across 20 districts of Bihar. Now, just 15 days after the conclusion of Rahul's 'Voter Rights Journey', RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav begins his own tour of Bihar. It raises the question, why did Tejashwi feel the immediate need for a Bihar expedition right after Rahul's?
Starting on Tuesday, Tejashwi Yadav will launch the 'Bihar Rights Journey'. His journey kicks off on September 16th from Jehanabad, concluding in Vaishali on September 20th, traversing ten districts in the span of five days. Throughout, he plans to engage with the public in various legislative areas, aiming to foster rapport and dialogue.
The State General Secretary of RJD, Ranvijay Sahu, has dispatched letters inviting party MPs, MLAs, district presidents, and other leaders from related districts to join Tejashwi Yadav's upcoming journey. The letter emphasizes direct public interaction, promising engagements in all assembly areas the 'Bihar Rights Journey' will pass through.
The Roadmap of Tejashwi's Bihar Journey
From Jehanabad, Tejashwi Yadav's 'Bihar Rights Journey' will carry on through Nalanda, Patna, Begusarai, Khagaria, Madhepura, Saharsa, Supaul, and Samastipur, eventually reaching Vaishali. As he travels, Tejashwi will traverse Naland district, a stronghold of Nitish Kumar, as well as tour Begusarai, dominated by Giriraj Singh, and Madhepura and Supaul, Pappu Yadav's territories.
The districts Tejashwi will cover are traditionally seen as strongholds for BJP and JDU. Clearly, through the 'Bihar Rights Journey', Tejashwi plans to firmly establish RJD's presence in these areas and craft a favorable political environment for the party.
Why Must Tejashwi Undertake This Journey?
Just 15 days after the conclusion of Rahul Gandhi's journey, Tejashwi Yadav sets out alone into Bihar. With Rahul, Tejashwi covered 1300 kilometers advocating for voter rights, and now, he journeys through ten districts independently.
According to political analysts, Rahul Gandhi's journey invigorated the Bihar Congress, attracting significant attention. Despite Tejashwi's prominence in the journey, the political gains leaned more towards Congress. This energizing journey empowered Congress to assert its conditions on issues like seat sharing and chief ministerial nominations, signaling its independent political stature.
Tejashwi Yadav's independent tour is a strategic move to uplift the morale of RJD leaders and workers. The primary aim of Tejashwi’s solo journey is to establish himself as the undisputed leader of the grand alliance, positioning himself as the foremost choice for chief minister among the public.
Tejashwi's Strategy to Engage Directly with the Public
Through this journey, Tejashwi plans to connect not just with party leaders but also the broader public. RJD leader Sanjay Yadav noted that while the movement with Rahul focused on SIR, the current journey by Tejashwi champions Bihar's rights.
Sanjay predicts Tejashwi will spotlight issues affecting farmers, youth, women, elders, and the unemployed, sparking discussions with the people. Like every party during elections devises strategies, RJD is implementing its own. Tejashwi's popularity spans Bihar, as his direct interactions with residents suggest.
Political experts believe this move is a calculated part of Tejashwi's strategy. Emulating his father, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi seeks direct engagement and connection with the public. Lalu was noted for his direct interactions through rallies and journeys. Tejashwi’s tour is seen as advancing Lalu’s legacy.
RJD applies full force in organizing Tejashwi’s journey. Strict instruction has been given to district leaders and MLAs not to leave any stone unturned in preparations. As the journey traverses various assembly areas, large gatherings are expected to ensure impactful public interactions with Tejashwi.
Pressure Politics on Congress
For 17 days, Tejashwi and Rahul traversed Bihar’s political landscape; however, Congress remained unmoved regarding Tejashwi's endorsement for the chief minister role. Bihar Congress's in-charge Krishna Allavaru remarked that ultimately, Bihar’s people decide the chief minister.
BJP leader and Minister Giriraj Singh commented on Tejashwi's 15-day journey with Rahul, observing Congress did not endorse his leadership. As Tejashwi sets out alone, it is seen as an effort to consolidate his own political branding, though Giriraj hints Bihar remembers Lalu’s governance.
From inception, RJD has portrayed itself as the senior partner in the grand alliance, setting terms for seat allocations. Reflecting on Congress’s shifting political attitude, Tejashwi embarks on this tour to project RJD's enduring popularity as essential for Congress’s political journey.
Sending Political Signals from the Streets
With electoral fervor heating up, Tejashwi Yadav embarks on the road again to deliver a potent political message. The 'Bihar Rights Journey' sets off September 16th in Jehanabad, concluding September 20th in Vaishali. Before Prime Minister Modi’s arrival in Purnea, Tejashwi conversed directly with women, signaling his intent.
Before this, Tejashwi had joined Congress's Rahul Gandhi in a prior journey, now aiming solo interaction with the populace. RJD insists this journey raises genuine public issues and highlights opposition strength. During this time, Tejashwi will address unemployment, education, health, farmer issues, and inflation, challenging the government on these fronts.
