Baba Bageshwar Visit Sparks Bihar Political Controversy

RJD legislator questions timing of Baba Bageshwar's visit to Bihar; slams BJP

IANS March 7, 2025 131 views

The visit of religious preacher Baba Bageshwar to Bihar has ignited a political firestorm, with RJD legislator Bhai Virendra strongly criticizing the BJP's strategy of bringing religious figures into electoral politics. Virendra argues that Bihar's people are more concerned with jobs and development than religious narratives. The controversy highlights the ongoing political tension between the RJD and BJP, with each party attempting to frame the upcoming elections around their core messaging. The debate underscores the complex intersection of religion, employment, and political strategy in Bihar's electoral landscape.

"People of Bihar want jobs and not Babas" - Bhai Virendra, RJD Legislator

Patna, March 7: The visit of religious preacher Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Baba Bageshwar, to Bihar's Gopalganj district, has sparked a political controversy, with RJD legislator Bhai Virendra questioning the timing of the visit, and accusing the BJP and its leaders of using Babas for political mileage ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls.

Key Points

RJD criticizes BJP's religious mobilization strategy

Baba Bageshwar's visit seen as political maneuvering

Tejashwi Yadav positioned as employment-focused alternative

Constitutional values emphasized over religious rhetoric

He said that they (BJP leaders) can send any Baba but the people of Bihar want jobs and not Babas.

"People of Bihar, regardless of caste or religion, want jobs for their sons and daughters. That's why Tejashwi Yadav has to become the Chief Minister," Bhai Virendra said.

"I do not want to criticise anyone, but it is true that all these Babas have been sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP-NDA has brought them to Bihar because elections are coming," he claimed.

He said that the BJP's religious strategy won't work in Bihar.

"No matter how many Babas come and go, the people of Bihar are suffering from corruption, unemployment, and inflation. They will rise above caste, religion, and party lines to elect Tejashwi Yadav as a Chief Minister of Bihar," Bhai Virendra said.

During the 'Pravachan' in Gopalganj, Baba Bageshwar advocated for a Hindu Rashtra, adding more fuel to the political debate in Bihar.

Bhai Virendra strongly opposed this demand, saying: "Those who talk about a Hindu nation should first read history. When India was under the British rule, people from all castes and communities sacrificed their lives for freedom."

"You cannot change the Constitution," he said, adding that any such attempts could lead to a widespread chaos and disorder.

Asked about political strategist Prashant Kishor potentially contesting from Raghopur Assembly constituency to directly challenge Tejashwi Yadav, Bhai Virendra dismissed any concerns.

"In a democracy, anyone is free to contest elections from anywhere," he said.

Ahead of the elections in the eastern state, the RJD has been opting strategy to focus on employment and development to counter the BJP's Hindutva narrative.

According to political observers, the war of words between the key parties contesting the polls is set to intensify in the upcoming days.

Tags:

Bihar Politics Baba Bageshwar RJD BJP Tejashwi Yadav Election Strategy Hindu Rashtra