JD(U) Workers Stage Second Day of Protests Over Nitish Kumar's Rajya Sabha Nomination
In Patna, workers of the Janata Dal (United) continued their demonstrations on Friday, marking the second consecutive day of unrest following Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's filing of his nomination for a Rajya Sabha seat. The political atmosphere remained charged as party members expressed their dissatisfaction through a unique postcard-writing campaign aimed directly at the Chief Minister.
Postcard Campaign Launched to Voice Discontent
Party workers have initiated a widespread postcard-writing campaign across Bihar, with the intention of sending these messages to CM Nitish Kumar. The campaign serves as a formal channel for workers to register their disapproval and urge the Chief Minister to reconsider his decision to seek a Rajya Sabha seat. Krishna Patel, the Pradesh Upadhyaksh of Chhatra Janata Dal, confirmed that this campaign would be expanded throughout the state.
"People's mandate was in favour of CM Nitish Kumar, and he has to consider this. He has been given the responsibility till 2030. How can he leave before that?" Patel stated, revealing that at least 1,000 postcards had already been written. He emphasized that the postcards are designed to convey the genuine sentiments of the party workers directly to their leader.
Tensions Escalate at JD(U) Office
The protest took a dramatic turn at the JD(U) office when some workers threw black paint on a joint poster featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar, specifically blackening the Prime Minister's photograph. This act of defiance highlighted the growing discontent among a section of party workers, not only regarding the Rajya Sabha nomination but also reflecting anger over the party's alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Party sources indicated that the protest is a manifestation of deeper frustrations within the JD(U) ranks. The workers' actions underscore a significant rift and dissatisfaction with the current political direction and alliances.
Workers Demand Completion of Tenure
Uttam Kushwaha, the president of the party's university wing, elaborated on the purpose of the letters, stating they are intended to pressure Kumar into completing his full tenure as Chief Minister. "Through the letters, we want to tell our leader that Bihar is his. People of this state have given the mandate to him and no one else. Please complete your tenure, or else it will be a betrayal and people's faith will no longer remain the same," he asserted.
Kushwaha further claimed that the anger extends beyond party workers to the general public. He reported that the party is receiving numerous calls from anxious citizens across Bihar, with some callers even threatening extreme measures such as self-immolation if Kumar steps down prematurely.
Wider Concerns and Public Apprehensions
The protests have sparked broader concerns among various groups in Bihar. Kushwaha noted that there is significant unease among Jeevika Didis, who fear losing their influence and benefits if Kumar resigns from the Chief Minister's position. Additionally, there is widespread apprehension among the public that key policies, such as the prohibition on alcohol, might be lifted in Kumar's absence.
Outside the Chief Minister's residence, JD(U) workers continued their protest for the second day. The situation intensified when one worker threatened to embark on a fast-unto-death protest. However, police intervened swiftly and removed the individual from the location to prevent any escalation.
The ongoing protests and the postcard campaign highlight a critical moment in Bihar's political landscape, as JD(U) workers voice their strong opposition to Nitish Kumar's potential move to the Rajya Sabha and express fears about the future of the state's governance and policies.
