In the midst of the 2025 Bihar assembly elections, a new flashpoint has emerged in the state's politics. Union Minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh has proposed a four-day Hindu Swabhiman Yatra in Bihar, which is set to start from Bhagalpur on October 18 and traverse through five districts with significant Muslim populations. This move has sparked intense controversy and criticism from the ruling JD(U) and opposition parties, highlighting the deepening divisions within the NDA alliance and the broader communal tensions in Bihar.
1. The Yatra: A Proposal for Hindu Unity
Giriraj Singh, known for his aggressive rhetoric and strong stance on Hindu issues, has defended the yatra as a necessary step to unite Hindus in Bihar. He argues that the yatra will bring about unity among Hindus and address the perceived insecurity and low morale among Hindus in Purvanchal, particularly in the Seemanchal region where Hindus are either in a minority or feel threatened.
Singh has emphasized that the yatra is not aimed at creating social tension but rather at boosting the morale of Hindus after recent attacks in Bangladesh. He believes that if Hindus do not remain united, they will face problems on the political front in the future.
The yatra will start from Bhagalpur, where JD(U) leader Ajay Kumar Mandal is the MP, and pass through Katihar, Purnia, Araria, and Kishanganj before culminating on October 22.
[Read more about the yatra's planned route and its significance](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar/bjps-giriraj-singh-to-take-out-hindu-swabhiman-yatra-draws-opposition-ire/article68752554.ece).
Giriraj Singh has also criticized JD(U) leaders for their objections to the yatra. He pointed out that when Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the opposition RJD, organized a yatra to consolidate Muslim voters, no one raised any objections. Singh argued that his yatra is not for political gains but to unite people and address the historical grievances faced by Hindus.
'Batoge toh katoge' (divided we will fall), Singh has repeatedly said, emphasizing the need for Hindu unity.
[Watch Dilip Jaiswal's analysis on Giriraj Singh's Hindu Swabhiman Yatra](https://www.amarujala.com/video/india-news/dilip-jaiswal-on-giriraj-singh-hindu-swabhiman-yatra-bihar-politics-2024-10-16).
2. JD(U) and Opposition Criticism
The JD(U), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has strongly criticized Giriraj Singh's proposal for the yatra. JD(U) leaders argue that the yatra will disturb communal harmony in the state and is an attempt to engineer riots for political gains ahead of the 2025 assembly polls.
JD(U) general secretary Gulam Rasool Balyawi stated, 'The intention is clear to incite communal tension and create a situation for riots in this country where 80 percent of the population are Hindus.'
JD(U) MLC Ghulam Ghous added, 'BJPs jihad charges and NRC-CAA did not work. So, BJP is trying to create a new issue to polarize voters.'
JD(U) official spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said, 'Nitish Kumar is known for development yatra. When the Bhagalpur riots happened, it was Nitish Kumar who rehabilitated people. Whether minorities should get protection is stated in the Constitution. Is Giriraj ji not in line with the Constitution?'
[Read more about JD(U)'s concerns over the yatra](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar/bjps-giriraj-singh-to-take-out-hindu-swabhiman-yatra-draws-opposition-ire/article68752554.ece).
Opposition parties have also slammed the proposed yatra, accusing Giriraj Singh of pursuing divisive politics. RJD national spokesperson Subodh Kumar Mehta said, 'He (Singh) is a Union minister who has taken oath on the Constitution, which does not allow anyone to speak divisively on religious lines. Such a minister should be dropped for the very idea of carrying out such a yatra.'
Senior Congress leader Prem Chandra Mishra wondered how Hindu pride could be at stake when a NDA government was helming the state and said Singh must be stopped from undertaking the yatra.
[Watch former RJD minister Chandra Shekhar's comments on Giriraj Singh's yatra](https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/bihar/patna/tejashwi-yadav-doing-fear-politics-in-bihar-warned-giriraj-singh-on-hindu-swabhiman-yatra/articleshow/114272593.cms).
3. BJP's Response and Support
The BJP has downplayed the yatra, stating that it is a social cause and will not hurt anyone. BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma said, 'Singh has raised the issue of how Hindus in Purvanchal are low on confidence and there is a need to invoke a sense of pride in them. He is also focused on the Seemanchal belt where Hindus are either in a minority (Kishanganj) or feel threatened.'
Jagannath Thakur, the general secretary of BJP in Bihar, defended Giriraj Singh's yatra by saying, 'Hindu organizations support Giriraj ji yatra. It is for a good cause. Nobody should take it otherwise.'
[Read more about BJP's stance on the yatra](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar/bjps-giriraj-singh-to-take-out-hindu-swabhiman-yatra-draws-opposition-ire/article68752554.ece).
4. Historical Context and Political Significance
Giriraj Singh's proposal for the Hindu Swabhiman Yatra is not an isolated event but part of a broader political landscape in Bihar. The state has been witnessing increasing communal tensions and political polarization ahead of the 2025 assembly elections.
The JD(U) and BJP have already been at odds over several issues, including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and lateral entry into bureaucracy. This latest flashpoint further highlights the deepening divisions within the NDA alliance.
[Watch Dilip Jaiswal's analysis on Giriraj Singh's Hindu Swabhiman Yatra](https://www.amarujala.com/video/india-news/dilip-jaiswal-on-giriraj-singh-hindu-swabhiman-yatra-bihar-politics-2024-10-16).
The Seemanchal region, where the yatra will pass through, has a significant Muslim population and has been a sensitive area in terms of communal harmony. The region has seen demographic changes with Hindus turning into a minority in some districts.
Opposition parties have accused Giriraj Singh of trying to stir communal conflicts in this region for political gains. AIMIM state president Akhtarul Iman accused the BJP of trying to create hatred and disturbance in society.
Independent MP Pappu Yadav warned that some parties are trying to disturb communal harmony for political gains but vowed not to let it happen.
[Read more about the opposition's stance on the yatra](https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/bihar/patna/tejashwi-yadav-doing-fear-politics-in-bihar-warned-giriraj-singh-on-hindu-swabhiman-yatra/articleshow/114272593.cms).
In conclusion, Giriraj Singh's Hindu Swabhiman Yatra has become a contentious issue in Bihar politics, reflecting the deepening communal tensions and political polarization in the state. The yatra's impact on communal harmony and its political implications will be closely watched as the state prepares for the 2025 assembly elections.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this flashpoint will be resolved and what its long-term consequences will be for Bihar's political landscape.
