In Bihar, the political relationship between two major alliance partners, Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is slowly heading in different directions. The latest dispute has emerged over the proposed ‘Hindu Swabhimaan Yatra’ by BJP MP and Union Minister Giriraj Singh, representing Begusarai. JD(U) has expressed displeasure with the proposed Yatra, and statements from their leaders have begun to surface. This issue follows disagreements over the Waqf Bill and JD(U)’s refusal to support BJP’s stance on lateral entry.
The Hindu Swabhimaan Yatra, led by Union Minister Giriraj Singh, has also faced opposition from the Lok Janshakti Party (Paswan). JD(U) leaders Ghulam Ghaus and Neeraj Kumar have indirectly criticized the Yatra, calling it “divisive.” Both Ghaus and Neeraj, who are JD(U) Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), stated that their government has always upheld communal harmony. “Nitish Kumar has worked with equal passion to build boundary walls for both temples and graveyards. Our government stands for religious harmony,” they emphasized. Prior to these statements, JD(U) leader Vijay Chaudhary had also opposed the Yatra, asserting that the focus should solely be on development.
Arun Bharti, an MP from LJP (Paswan), added, “The BJP believes in uniting Hindus, but there are many issues within the Hindu community itself. People are being divided along caste and religious lines. The BJP must also address the caste system. The backward sections within Hinduism need support, and BJP should help stop atrocities against SC-ST communities.”
The official announcement of the ‘Hindu Swabhimaan Yatra’ is yet to be made. However, several media reports suggest that the Yatra will take place between October 18 and October 22, covering regions such as Bhagalpur, Kishanganj, Purnia, Araria, and Katihar. These are areas with significant Muslim populations in the Seemanchal region. Bhagalpur, in particular, has a history of severe communal riots, which had a devastating impact on the Bhagalpuri bedsheet industry.
Seemanchal is an important region for JD(U), while the BJP is attempting to gain a foothold by dividing the electorate along communal lines. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections were not particularly favorable for either party in these areas. In the 2024 elections, the NDA lost seats in Purnia, Katihar, and Kishanganj, although it retained the Araria seat. In Purnia, Independent candidate Pappu Yadav defeated JD(U)’s Santosh Kumar Kushwaha. In Katihar, Congress candidate Tariq Anwar defeated JD(U)’s Dilar Chandra Goswami, while in Kishanganj, JD(U) leader Mujahid Alam lost to Congress candidate Mohammad Javed.
The BJP’s focus on this region, particularly targeting areas with a higher Muslim population, has raised concerns about potential communal polarization ahead of future elections.
