Patna: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is poised to take center stage in Bihar’s political arena with a significant rally in Muzaffarpur on Sunday. Shah is scheduled to address a public gathering at Patahi Airport in Muzaffarpur. This marks Shah’s second visit to Bihar in just 50 days, and it comes on the heels of the Mahagathbandhan government’s announcement of the caste survey results last month.
On September 16, Shah addressed public meetings in Jhanjharpur and Araria of Madhubani, marking his earlier foray into the state since the formation of the Grand Alliance government in Bihar in August. During these visits, he has conducted a total of seven rallies in Bihar, covering 17 Lok Sabha constituencies and more than 100 assembly segments.
The timing of Shah’s Muzaffarpur rally holds particular significance for Bihar’s political landscape, as it coincides with the commencement of the winter session of the Bihar Assembly, scheduled to begin the day after his visit. Many political experts believe that Shah may use this occasion to set the agenda against the policies of the Grand Alliance government in the state.
In a press conference held in Chhatisgarh on Friday, November 3, prior to his Bihar visit, Shah clarified the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) stance on the issue of caste census. He emphasized that the BJP is not opposed to it, stating, “We are a national party. We do not engage in vote bank politics. After thorough discussions, we will announce an appropriate decision. It is not right to politicize the election on this basis. BJP has never opposed it. The decision has to be made thoughtfully, and we will inform you at the right time.”
Shah’s rally in Muzaffarpur is widely perceived as a tactical maneuver designed to secure a minimum of five Lok Sabha seats. This includes Vaishali, a constituency where the BJP has not previously fielded candidates. Patahi is located within the Vaishali Lok Sabha constituency, and the other sought-after seats encompass Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Samastipur, and Muzaffarpur.
