Union Minister Giriraj Singh’s Hindu Swabhiman Yatra, which passes through some of the minority-dominated districts of Bihar, has caused concerns among the BJP allies and the opposition parties, who have questioned the need for such a yatra.
Singh, known as a vocal Hindutva leader, sparked off controversy when he announced his decision to undertake the yatra centred on uniting the Hindu community beyond caste differences. Singh, who started the yatra from Bhagalpur, which in the past had a chequered history of Hindu-Muslim riots, has been referring to the threats to the Hindus owing to the demographic change and attacks on religious processions of the majority community.
“I believe that the demography of the entire country has completely changed. It is under a well-thought-out strategy. This has happened due to vote traders. It is not only Sahebganj, Purnia, and Katihar. The demography of 400 districts has changed drastically,” Giriraj Singh told a news agency.
The BJP has distanced itself from the yatra, saying Giriraj Singh was doing it in his personal capacity, but leaders were free to join in their individual capacities.
The first phase of the yatra started from Bhagalpur, will cover Katihar and Purnia Araria, and culminate in Kishanganj on October 22.
The yatra is being held a year ahead of the scheduled assembly polls in Bihar. The BJP has not been able to overcome the caste divisions in the state as voters pick up candidates and parties based on caste lines. The resultant polarisation owing to the yatra may help create a sentiment in favour of the BJP.
These minorities dominated districts bordering West Bengal. As the yatra is centred on the theme of demographic change, it finds resonance in Bengal and even in Jharkhand which is going to polls next month. The BJP has vociferously raised the issue of changing the demographic profile of the Jharkhand where tribals were now losing their edge owing to population imbalance. The BJP has already talked about bringing NRC in the state if voted to power.
All eyes will be on the conduct of the yatra and its intended goal.