By Vishwapati
Patna: Kanhaiya Kumar has launched the ‘Naukri Do, Palayan Roko Yatra’ (Give Jobs, Stop Migration Yatra) from Sunday, a move that has heightened concerns within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). By deploying Kanhaiya Kumar to Bihar, the Congress party has added to the challenges faced by Tejashwi Yadav. Alongside Kanhaiya, Krishna Allavaru has also been fielded, signalling Congress’s intent to assert itself independently in the state. The party has already raised questions about decisions made during the tenure of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) government, further straining its relationship with the RJD.
With the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for October-November this year, political stakes and equations are being recalibrated. In a bid to reclaim its lost support base in the state, the Congress party is striving to become self-reliant rather than relying on allies. To this end, the party has mobilised its youth wing, represented by Kanhaiya Kumar and Krishna Allavaru. Kanhaiya’s yatra, which began on Sunday, has particularly unsettled the RJD, as it underscores Congress’s growing assertiveness in Bihar.
Interestingly, while still part of the Grand Alliance, Congress has openly criticised decisions taken during the alliance’s governance. This marks a significant shift in its approach. Although Rahul Gandhi visited Lalu Yadav’s residence during his trip to Patna, Krishna Allavaru, Congress’s Bihar in-charge, notably refrained from meeting Lalu Yadav despite being in the state for a month. This is unusual, given Lalu Yadav’s close ties with Sonia Gandhi. Historically, no Congress leader handling Bihar affairs has bypassed paying respects to Lalu Yadav. Even Bhakt Charan Das, whom Lalu once mockingly referred to as ‘Bhakchonhar Das’, made it a point to meet him during his tenure. Akhilesh Singh, the state Congress president, has also been accused of maintaining close ties with Lalu, though he is currently marginalised within the party.
The changing dynamics suggest that Congress may not hesitate to position itself as a more formidable opponent to Tejashwi Yadav than even the NDA or other parties. Until recently, Congress had been playing a secondary role to the RJD in Bihar’s political landscape. However, tensions between the two parties have escalated since Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav suggested removing Rahul Gandhi from the leadership of the India Block. This has led to a series of sharp exchanges between the two parties. Although Rahul Gandhi visited Bihar twice and met the Lalu family on both occasions, he returned each time with statements that implicated the RJD. In response, Congress has now deployed Kanhaiya Kumar to Bihar, a move seen as a direct challenge to the RJD.
Notably, Kanhaiya Kumar was previously transferred to Delhi under pressure from the Lalu family. Political analysts argue that activating him in Bihar just before the Assembly elections could backfire, potentially harming the Congress party. The arrival of Kanhaiya Kumar has reportedly split the Bihar Congress into two factions: one led by Krishna Allavaru, Kanhaiya Kumar, and Pappu Yadav, and the other by state president Akhilesh Prasad Singh. While Singh’s faction advocates maintaining ties with the RJD, Kanhaiya’s camp is pushing for a ‘go-it-alone’ strategy, evident in the ongoing padyatra.
Since the 1990s, the Congress party in Bihar has largely relied on the RJD’s support. A sudden break from this alliance and entering the electoral fray independently could prove politically suicidal. If the Congress-RJD alliance dissolves, it could lead to a new political equation in the state. Winning elections independently is no easy feat for any party in Bihar, and a split in anti-BJP votes could ultimately benefit the BJP. Notably, the vote bank Prashant Kishor is targeting overlaps significantly with Congress’s traditional base, potentially creating an opportunity for collaboration between the two.
Meanwhile, Kanhaiya Kumar has already faced criticism for his statements during the padyatra. While addressing issues like employment, he made an unexpected reference to honeymoons, stating that people in Bihar are forced to travel to other states not just for education, health, and jobs, but even for honeymoons. As Congress is heavily promoting Kanhaiya Kumar, every word he utters is under scrutiny. Political experts caution that he must exercise care during the yatra and avoid making unfounded statements that could undermine his campaign.
In summary, Congress’s decision to field Kanhaiya Kumar and adopt a more independent stance in Bihar has intensified tensions with the RJD. With the Assembly elections approaching, the political landscape in Bihar is becoming increasingly complex, and the Congress party’s strategy could have far-reaching implications for its future in the state.
(The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com)
