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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, during a rally organized by the Communist Party of India (CPI) in Patna, attributed the INDIA coalition’s inability to sustain its momentum to the Congress’s focus on the forthcoming assembly elections in five states. The rally, named ‘Bhaajpa hataao Desh bachao’ (Remove the BJP from power, save the country), was attended by senior leaders, including CPI General Secretary D Raja.
Kumar, who hosted the first meeting of opposition leaders that laid the foundation for the coalition, expressed his disappointment with the Congress’s priorities. He emphasized that the Congress had been assigned a leading role in the INDIA coalition but was more interested in the assembly polls, causing a delay in the coalition’s progress.
Kumar also criticized the BJP for attempting to create religious divisions, highlighting Bihar’s relative communal harmony. He accused the ruling BJP at the Centre of trying to manipulate the country’s history to downplay its role in the struggle for independence.
During his speech, Kumar reminisced about his long association with the Left parties, particularly CPI and CPI(M), dating back to the 1980s. He praised the Left for its progressive outlook and its ability to attract a significant number of women to its rallies, even in times when such attendance was uncommon.
Kumar suggested that all Left parties, which share a common origin, should consider reuniting. He concluded by addressing the alleged curbing of media freedom by the current government, highlighting that the achievements of his government in Bihar often went unnoticed due to inadequate media coverage.
