Patna: Senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gathered at the party’s state headquarters on Sunday to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat radio address. Among those present were BJP’s Bihar state president, Dilip Jaiswal, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, and former Union minister Shahnawaz Hussain.
Following the broadcast, the BJP convened a crucial meeting, calling in all 52 newly appointed district presidents. Jaiswal provided guidance on preparations for the 2025 Bihar assembly elections, outlining tasks that must be completed in the coming months.
Focus on Booth-Level Strategy
Jaiswal instructed district leaders to compile a comprehensive voter list and establish close coordination with booth-level workers. He emphasised the need for continuous engagement with all National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, ensuring collaboration from the panchayat to the district level. He also directed BJP functionaries to include NDA allies in all major events at the district level.
BJP Attacks Rahul Gandhi Over Caste Census
Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his stance on caste census, Jaiswal remarked: “Rahul Gandhi has been asked before to reveal his own caste. People in Bihar have accepted the caste census conducted in the state. Nitish Kumar is the first leader in the country to have implemented it.”
Tej Pratap Yadav Should ‘Accept His Role’, Says Jaiswal
When asked about reports of Tej Pratap Yadav being sidelined within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Jaiswal termed it an internal matter of the Lalu Prasad family. “Tej Pratap considers himself a devotee of Lord Krishna, while Tejashwi dreams of becoming Chief Minister. I won’t say injustice is being done to Tej Pratap, but he should follow the path of a Karma Yogi. As the elder brother, he should accept his role and act accordingly,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi Engaged in ‘Damage Control’
Former Union minister Shahnawaz Hussain accused Rahul Gandhi of attempting to mend ties with allies in Bihar after state Congress leaders suggested contesting independently.
“Congress leaders in Bihar talk about fighting elections alone, but as soon as Rahul Gandhi arrives, he rushes to meet Lalu Yadav. He is in damage-control mode,” Hussain remarked.
Taking a jibe at Gandhi’s leadership style, Hussain added: “Rahul Gandhi calls his workers Babbar Sher (fearless lions), but his Babbar Sher is always late.”
Tejashwi ‘Seizing Control’ From Lalu, Claims BJP
Hussain also accused Tejashwi Yadav of forcefully taking control of the RJD from his father, Lalu Prasad.
“Lalu Yadav is in good health, yet power is being taken away from him. Tejashwi has forcibly seized the reins. This reminds us of the Mughal era, where family members fought to snatch power from one another,” he said.
