In the politically charged atmosphere of Bihar, the state is abuzz with anticipation as the Assembly elections approach. The political discourse has been marked by sharp exchanges and strategic maneuvers, with leaders from various parties making headlines. Among them, BJP MLA and international shooter Shreyasi Singh has emerged as a vocal critic of opposition leaders, particularly targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD's Tejashwi Yadav for their perceived election-centric activism.
During a recent interaction with the media at Patna Airport, Shreyasi Singh did not hold back as she criticized the ongoing 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' led by Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav. Singh drew a vivid analogy, stating, "Just like frogs become active in the monsoon, these leaders also become active in the election season. Now, with the Bihar Assembly elections approaching, they are doing a Yatra. But I want to ask, where was Rahul Gandhi in the last five years?"
Singh's comments also highlighted the achievements of the current NDA government in Bihar, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. She pointed out the government's initiatives, such as waiving off 125 units of electricity bills and increasing the honorarium for various workers, including Mamta, Asha workers, and physical teachers. "People know these welfare steps have been taken under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar," Singh asserted, emphasizing the government's commitment to welfare measures.
Legal Challenges and Political Tensions
The political climate in Bihar is further complicated by legal challenges faced by opposition leaders. Tejashwi Yadav, in particular, has been embroiled in legal battles, with multiple FIRs registered against him in states like Maharashtra, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. Addressing these issues, Shreyasi Singh remarked, "He (Tejashwi) already has several FIRs against him. If he is not afraid of them, he should fight it out legally."
Adding another layer to the political discourse, Singh took a swipe at political strategist Prashant Kishor, accusing him of tarnishing Bihar's image. "I am an international shooter and have won medals for the country. Wherever I go, I proudly say I am from Bihar. But Prashant Kishor defames Bihar and Biharis not only in other states but also abroad," she said.
Meanwhile, the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' continues its journey, having reached Darbhanga and set to move to Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi. The campaign is part of a broader effort to address alleged vote manipulation, a contentious issue that has sparked debates across the political spectrum.
Opposition's Response and Government Initiatives
In a related development, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha also weighed in on the political discourse, criticizing those who he claims have insulted Biharis and contributed to social disorder. "The people of Bihar will teach a lesson to those who insulted Biharis, forced migration, created disorder, sat in the lap of 'jungle raj', and tried to establish 'goonda raj' while nurturing extremism," Sinha stated. His comments reflect the deep-seated political rivalries and the historical context of governance in Bihar.
The political dynamics in Bihar are further complicated by recent developments involving Tejashwi Yadav. BJP leader KS Duggal filed a police complaint against Yadav over a social media post that referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "vote thief." Duggal described the post as an "unfortunate and cowardly thing," arguing that it was an attack not only on the Prime Minister but also on the people of Bihar. "RJD has done a very unfortunate and cowardly thing. Yesterday, they posted on their Twitter handle, 'Look who has come to Gaya, a vote thief.' It is very unfortunate to speak such words about a hardworking Prime Minister... RJD has insulted not only the Prime Minister but the entire Bihar and Biharis," Duggal said. He further suggested that the RJD's use of such language was a sign of desperation due to waning public support.
In response to the FIRs filed against him, Tejashwi Yadav has remained defiant. Speaking at the ongoing Voter Rights Yatra in Katihar, he stated, "Who is afraid of FIR? Now, even saying 'jumla' has become a crime. These people are scared of the truth. We are not afraid of any FIR." His remarks underscore the contentious nature of the political environment and the challenges faced by opposition leaders.
Government's Welfare Measures and Future Prospects
Congress MLA Shakeel Ahmed Khan also expressed support for Tejashwi Yadav, asserting that even if a thousand FIRs are filed, it would not deter their efforts. "This yatra is to free democracy from the BJP's grip. We will not let votes be stolen," Khan declared. His statement reflects the broader narrative of opposition parties seeking to challenge the BJP's dominance in the state.
Amidst these political developments, the Bihar government has been proactive in implementing welfare measures. The state cabinet recently approved significant financial allocations for land acquisition to expand the state's industrial area, aiming to facilitate private investment and generate employment opportunities. Additionally, the cabinet sanctioned salary and honorarium hikes for various categories of workers, including sanitation workers, night guards, and physical education teachers. These measures align with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's vision to boost industrialization and improve the welfare of marginalized sections of society.
The political landscape in Bihar is a complex tapestry of historical rivalries, legal battles, and strategic maneuvers. As the state approaches the Assembly elections, the interplay of these factors will shape the electoral outcomes and the future trajectory of governance in Bihar. The ongoing debates and developments underscore the vibrant and dynamic nature of democracy in the region, where political leaders and parties continue to vie for the trust and support of the electorate.
