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News18
13 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
In First Litmus Test After Op Sindoor, Congress Eyes Muslim Vote Ahead Of Bihar Polls
Last Updated: Having attempted to gain ground with the Hindu vote and not found sustained success, the Congress now seems to be doubling down on its appeal to minority communities. The first big election that the Congress will face as a litmus test after Operation Sindoor will be Bihar. With a 17 per cent Muslim population, Bihar presents a crucial electoral opportunity, with the Congress, JD(U), and RJD all eyeing the same vote pie. However, this battle for the Muslim vote is not limited to Bihar. Nationally, the almost 20 per cent Muslim votebank could be a game-changer for the Congress in its broader revival strategy. In recent years, the Congress has attempted to strike a balance between wooing the Hindutva constituencies and appealing to minority voters. However, it remains acutely aware that when it comes to the Hindu votebank, the BJP continues to be the natural first choice. In areas where Congress does secure Hindu votes, it is often not for religious reasons but due to local dynamics or disenchantment with the BJP. Given this reality, the party appears to be falling back on what was once its traditional stronghold — the Muslim vote. It was not without reason that former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh once advocated for the speedy implementation of the Sachar Committee recommendations and emphasised increasing the rights of Muslims. This policy orientation underlined the Congress's commitment to minority welfare and social justice. Having attempted to gain ground with the Hindu vote and not found sustained success, the Congress now seems to be doubling down on its appeal to minority communities. But this is easier said than done. Not only does it face tough competition from regional parties such as the RJD and JD(U), it also has to deal with vote-sharing challenges with its own allies. The 17 per cent Muslim vote share in Bihar is being hotly contested, and Congress is in the race with both allies and opponents. The party's stand on the Iran-Israel conflict also reflects its evolving minority strategy. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra delivered one of the sharpest critiques of the government's silence on Gaza, accusing it of ignoring human rights violations. 'India is standing silent as Israel annihilates a nation," she said, making it clear where the Congress's sympathies lie. Her carrying a pro-Palestine tote bag in Parliament only further reinforced the message — a calculated effort to align with minority sentiment. At the state level too, groundwork has begun. The Karnataka Congress government recently announced 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in government contract jobs and proposed an increase in housing reservation for minorities from 10 per cent to 15 per cent. These decisions are not just governance moves but political signals, conveying that a Congress-led government at the Centre or in states like Bihar or Kerala would prioritise minority welfare. Looking ahead, seat-sharing talks and the Bihar elections will be a critical moment for the Congress's minority outreach strategy. Despite its alliance with the RJD, the Congress is clearly trying to carve out an independent appeal among Muslim voters. The induction of leaders like former JD(U) MP Anwar Ansari and other Pasmanda Muslim figures into its fold is part of this push. However, in its attempt to reclaim the Muslim vote while also appeasing some Hindu constituencies, the Congress often appears directionless — caught between conflicting impulses. Its struggle to choose between consolidating the Muslim vote and pursuing a soft Hindutva line leaves the party at political crossroads. First Published: June 20, 2025, 13:17 IST
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Business Standard
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Nitish Kumar urges Bihar residents to thank PM Modi for caste census
The JD(U) supremo was sharing the stage with the PM in Siwan district, where Modi launched 28 development projects worth over Rs 5,900 crore Press Trust of India Siwan (Bihar) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the announcement of the caste census and urged the people of the state to do the same. The JD(U) supremo was sharing the stage with the PM in Siwan district, where Modi launched 28 development projects worth over Rs 5,900 crore. "Ordering a caste census is a great thing that the Centre has done. I thank the Prime Minister for the same," said Kumar, and addressing the people, "you all may please express your gratitude towards him". The crowds erupted in applause, and chants in praise of the two leaders were heard. Notably, the caste census has been an issue close to the heart of Bihar's longest-serving chief minister, who had earlier got resolutions passed in its favour from both Houses of the state legislature. The BJP-JD(U) combine seeks to retain power in the assembly polls due in a few months, overcoming the challenge posed by the RJD, Congress, and Left combine, which has been claiming that the caste census was a result of its relentless pressure on the state. Kumar, who has been critical of the opposition, especially the RJD, over its governance track record, took potshots at the main rival, without naming the party. "Did the ones in power until we took over care for governance? People were scared of stepping out of their homes because of the law and order situation. Such a contrasting sight today when we have boys, girls, and so many women moving freely," said Kumar. The JD(U) supremo also praised the Modi government for its generous assistance to the state and expressed confidence that "with the help of the Centre, Bihar is all set to scale great heights". (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Deccan Herald
13 hours ago
- Business
- Deccan Herald
Nitish asks people of Bihar to thank PM Modi for caste census
The JD(U) supremo was sharing the stage with the PM in Siwan district, where Modi launched 28 development projects worth over Rs 5,900 crore.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Tejashwi alleges JD(U) netas blocking Nishant's entry into politics
Patna: Leader of opposition in state assembly, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav , on Wednesday alleged that a group of JD(U) leaders were conspiring to keep chief minister Nitish Kumar 's son, Nishant Kumar , away from politics to ensure their interests were not harmed. Nishant, of late, was found taking keen interest in politics and frequently asking people to vote for his father in the upcoming assembly elections. Talking to reporters on Wednesday, Tejashwi claimed Nishant wanted to enter politics and his father wished so too, but some JD(U) leaders, especially those from the 'bhunja party' (a term used for the CM's inner circle), were conspiring to prevent him from joining politics, fearing they could lose their influence if he steps in. Citing examples, Tejashwi said a JD(U) MP fixed jobs for his two daughters, another MLA for his son-in-law, and a retired bureaucrat for his wife. "But when Nishant is willing to come to politics, they feel uncomfortable and are discouraging him," Tejashwi alleged, adding, "The close aides of CM are fully exploiting his deteriorating health by getting a number of their children and close relatives appointed to influential bodies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Türk kredi kartı kullanıcıları buna başvurmalı. HANGİKREDİ Daha Fazla Oku Undo " Reacting sharply to the allegations, JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said Tejashwi was making wild allegations out of fear of noticing his impending defeat in the upcoming elections. "Let aside Mungeri Lal's sweet dreams, he will no longer continue as the leader of opposition after the next elections," Prasad said. He said Nitish has never been accused of promoting "dynastic politics". "On the other hand, RJD chief Lalu Prasad has set his entire family in politics, let aside his brothers-in-law," he said. Currently, Lalu himself, his wife Rabri Devi, their two daughters Misa Bharti and Rohini Acharya, and both his sons—Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav—are active in politics.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Tejashwi alleges RSS control; NDA leaders hit back
Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Wednesday quoted the statement of rural works department (RWD) minister Ashok Choudhary and said the JD(U) leader endorsed his statement that CM Nitish Kumar was acting on the advice of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Choudhary said his son-in-law Saayan Kunal was appointed to the Bihar state board of religious trust as a member from the RSS quota. Tejashwi, who is the chairman of the opposition coordination committee for the state assembly elections this year, said the JD(U) leaders are themselves saying that CM Nitish's reins are in the hands of RSS and BJP. "CM should tell where else RSS quota is there," he asked. However, senior JD(U) leader and rural development department minister Shravan Kumar refuted Tejashwi's charges and said neither the most powerful person nor any powerful organisation in the world can influence the work of Nitish. "He has his own thoughts and vision and he made the word 'Bihari' a matter of pride. He made Bihar the first state where power supply has reached every household and where 1.20 lakh teachers were appointed in a single day. He has proved that the country can progress only by following the path he has carved out for Bihar." Shravan said the 2025 assembly election results will give a befitting reply to those who had made 'Bihar' word a matter of shame during their rule. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Step-by-Step Warehouse Cleaning Guide SearchMore Learn More Undo Union minister of state Nityanand Rai clarified that all the people appointed in the commissions have been selected solely on the basis of merit and experience. "The allegations of the opposition are completely baseless," Rai said. Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Wednesday quoted the statement of rural works department (RWD) minister Ashok Choudhary and said the JD(U) leader endorsed his statement that CM Nitish Kumar was acting on the advice of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Choudhary said his son-in-law Saayan Kunal was appointed to the Bihar state board of religious trust as a member from the RSS quota. Tejashwi, who is the chairman of the opposition coordination committee for the state assembly elections this year, said the JD(U) leaders are themselves saying that CM Nitish's reins are in the hands of RSS and BJP. "CM should tell where else RSS quota is there," he asked. However, senior JD(U) leader and rural development department minister Shravan Kumar refuted Tejashwi's charges and said neither the most powerful person nor any powerful organisation in the world can influence the work of Nitish. "He has his own thoughts and vision and he made the word 'Bihari' a matter of pride. He made Bihar the first state where power supply has reached every household and where 1.20 lakh teachers were appointed in a single day. He has proved that the country can progress only by following the path he has carved out for Bihar." Shravan said the 2025 assembly election results will give a befitting reply to those who had made 'Bihar' word a matter of shame during their rule. Union minister of state Nityanand Rai clarified that all the people appointed in the commissions have been selected solely on the basis of merit and experience. "The allegations of the opposition are completely baseless," Rai said.
