By Vishwapati
Patna: As Bihar Assembly elections draw closer, the political battleground has intensified with rival parties exchanging sharp verbal volleys and engaging in a fierce poster war across the state capital, Patna. Supporters of various political groups have plastered walls with provocative posters, many of which mock opposition leaders.
In a recent escalation, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) unveiled a poster branding Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as a “villain”. The poster, installed outside former Chief Minister Rabri Devi’s residence in Patna, was released by RJD leader Sanju Kohli, a district councillor from Makhdumpur in Jehanabad.
Allegations Levelled Against Nitish Kumar in the Poster
The poster accuses Kumar of “insulting women, Mahatma Gandhi, and the national anthem”, portraying him as having an “arrogant and dictatorial” demeanour. Political analysts suggest the RJD aims to tap into public discontent and galvanise anti-government sentiment ahead of the polls.
Posters in Support of Lalu Yadav
This is not the first instance of Patna’s streets becoming a canvas for political messaging. Earlier, RJD workers displayed posters backing their leader, Lalu Prasad Yadav, near Rabri Devi’s residence and other key locations. One such poster declared: “I have not bowed, nor will I bow. The tiger is still alive”—a bold assertion of Yadav’s enduring influence and refusal to compromise on his principles.
JD(U) and BJP Hit Back
The ruling Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly retaliated. JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar dismissed Yadav as the “Tiger of Jungle Raj”, referencing the lawlessness that allegedly characterised his tenure as Chief Minister. BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul countered, hailing Nitish Kumar as Bihar’s “real tiger” who has steered the state toward development.
Poster Politics Gains Prominence in Bihar
Posters have emerged as a potent tool in Bihar’s political arena, with parties using them to skewer opponents and sway voters. These eye-catching displays often spark national debate, underscoring their impact on public discourse.
Poster Wars Set to Intensify Ahead of Polls
With Assembly elections scheduled for October-November, political activity is expected to surge. Observers predict a further escalation in the poster war as parties vie to outmanoeuvre rivals and court voters. The coming months may see increasingly creative—and contentious—designs dominating Bihar’s political landscape.
(The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com)
