Upcoming assembly elections in Bihar have ignited a flurry of political activity. Political parties are in campaign mode, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar making rapid-fire announcements. The opposition, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), is also gearing up for action. Tejashwi Yadav has announced an ‘August Revolution’ in the coming month.
The opposition alliance, INDIA, has declared that key national leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, will hold public meetings across the state from the second week of August. This move follows concerns over recent incidents of violence and killings in Bihar.
Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, stated that the INDIA alliance’s coordination committee decided to organize rallies and meetings across all nine divisions of the state after Raksha Bandhan (August 9th). He emphasized his commitment to addressing voter list revisions, which he believes threaten people’s right to vote. He also raised concerns about the rising crime rate, citing 100 murders in the past ten days.
The opposition is invoking an ‘August Revolution’ ahead of the elections. Tejashwi plans public gatherings with Rahul Gandhi’s participation. The opposition aims to address issues like rising crime, law and order, governance, electricity shortages, and unemployment. The mention of ‘August Revolution’ is strategically linked to the historic 1942 movement, with the hope of galvanizing public support and unseating the current government led by Nitish Kumar.
Meanwhile, the ruling NDA is also actively preparing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Bihar multiple times in recent months, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is making announcements to counter any anti-incumbency sentiment. Recent announcements include increased incentives for ASHA workers and health workers, along with infrastructure projects and pension hikes for retired journalists. The October-November elections will be a crucial test for both sides, as they strive to sway voters using their respective strategies.