In the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the ruling Janata Dal (United) in Bihar has launched three separate campaigns aimed at garnering support from three key social groups: ‘Bhaichara Yatra’ (Muslims), ‘Karpoori Charcha’ (Extremely Backward Classes), and ‘Bheem Samvad’ (Dalits).
In the 2019 general election, the JD(U) in alliance with the BJP-led NDA had won 39 out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the State. After parting ways with the BJP last year, the JD(U) needs the backing of the EBCs, which account for 30% of the State’s population, Dalits (16%), and Muslims (16%) to put up a good show in the 2024 poll. Party chief and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will be monitoring all three campaigns.
The JD(U) kick-started the ‘Bhaichara Yatra’ from Narkatiyaganj in West Champaran district on August 1. Party MLC Khalid Anwar is leading the yatra, which will be held in three phases and end in September. Four Lok Sabha and 24 Assembly seats are concentrated in the Muslim-dominated Seemanchal region, comprising Purnea, Kishanganj, Araria, and Katihar districts.
