Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra reaches Bihar, a day after Nitish Kumars u-turn

PTC News Desk: The 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' led by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi made its entry into Bihar on Monday, a day after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's surprising shift in allegiance from the RJD-led 'mahagathbandhan' government to rejoin the NDA.

The yatra, a political journey aimed at uniting India, entered Bihar through Kishanganj, a district known for its substantial Muslim population and a Congress stronghold. This visit holds significance as it marks Rahul Gandhi's first appearance in Bihar since the 2020 assembly poll campaign.

Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address a public meeting in Kishanganj, followed by rallies in Purnea on Tuesday and Katihar the following day, as stated by party's legislature leader Shakil Ahmed Khan to news agency PTI. The Congress leader will then head to West Bengal on Thursday through Araria district and is expected to return to Bihar via Jharkhand in the coming days, according to the state Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh.

The party's state unit has extended invitations to its allies in Bihar, including RJD President Lalu Prasad and CPI(ML)-L General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, for the rally in Purnea.

The political landscape in Bihar witnessed a dramatic shift on Sunday when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, also the president of Janta Dal (United) (JDU), severed ties with the Mahagathbandhan government that he had joined less than 18 months ago. Kumar returned to the BJP-led NDA, marking the fourth instance of his coalition switch since 2013 due to ideological differences.

Also Read: Biden vows action on US troop deaths in Jordan; lawmakers urgently push 'hit Iran' | Key Points

Also Read: Nitish Kumar's alliance shift sparks initial action against RJD in Bihar Assembly

Nitish Kumar was subsequently sworn in as the chief minister for the record ninth time, with the support of the BJP. Two BJP leaders, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, also took oaths as deputy chief ministers. The list of ministers included members from the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) (HAM-S) party and an independent MLA.

The Congress criticized Nitish Kumar for his political realignment, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge labeling him as 'aya ram, gaya ram' – a term used in Indian politics to refer to political turncoats. Jairam Ramesh added that Kumar competes with chameleons in changing political affiliations and partners.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 17: Munawar Faruqui clinches victory in 'Bigg Boss 17,' takes home Rs 50 lakh and a new car

Also Read: PM Modi congratulates Nitish Kumar; NDA vows dedicated service to Bihar

(Inputs from agencies)