The political atmosphere in Bihar is charged with activity as the state prepares for assembly elections. The ‘Voter Rights Yatra,’ initiated by the India alliance to protest against the SIR, is the venue for numerous interesting events and discussions. In anticipation of the elections, new political alliances are forming, often setting aside prior disagreements. A key development is the observed reconciliation between Pappu Yadav, MP from Purnia, and Tejashwi Yadav.
Whether it’s due to changing circumstances or political strategy, Rahul Gandhi has seemingly managed to bring Tejashwi Yadav and Pappu Yadav together. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the RJD declined to nominate Pappu Yadav from the Purnia seat. Instead, the RJD presented its own candidate. However, Pappu Yadav ran as an independent MP and supported the Congress, a move that seems to have been successful.
Furthermore, during a recent protest in Patna against the Election Commission, Pappu Yadav and Kanhaiya Kumar were not allowed to accompany Rahul Gandhi in his car. A video of Pappu Yadav’s exclusion was widely shared on social media, causing him public embarrassment. Both the Congress and RJD have since welcomed Kanhaiya and Pappu Yadav. This is supported by Pappu Yadav’s presence alongside Tejashwi Yadav in Rahul Gandhi’s car during the Voter Rights Yatra in Purnia, where he also addressed the crowd.
During the Voter Rights Yatra, Tejashwi Yadav welcomed Pappu Yadav, saying, ‘We welcome Pappu Yadav Ji to the land of Araria.’ Pappu Yadav, speaking afterwards, referred to Tejashwi as a ‘Jannayak’ (people’s leader) and a brother, recognizing his efforts to end terror.
With the Bihar assembly elections drawing near, Tejashwi Yadav has been designated as the CM face by the alliance. Rahul Gandhi himself has confirmed this. Rahul played an important role in the reconciliation between Pappu Yadav and Tejashwi, emphasizing that if Tejashwi wants to be CM, he must unify everyone. This message from Rahul seems to have been heeded by Tejashwi.