In a significant move addressing Bihar’s escalating unemployment crisis, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi participated in the ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ (Stop Migration, Provide Jobs) padyatra in Begusarai. This initiative aims to spotlight the pressing issues of joblessness and the resultant migration of the state’s youth.
In This Article:
Padyatra’s Genesis and Objectives
The Congress party in Bihar initiated the state-wide ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ padyatra to underscore the chronic unemployment plaguing the region, which has compelled a large segment of the young population to seek opportunities elsewhere. The march commenced at the historic Bhitiharwa Ashram in West Champaran district, a site established by Mahatma Gandhi over a century ago following his seminal satyagraha advocating for indigo plantation workers in North Bihar. This choice of starting point symbolizes a nod to Gandhi’s legacy of peaceful protest and grassroots mobilization.
Leadership and Participation
The padyatra has seen active involvement from prominent Congress figures, including AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru, state Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh, and Kanhaiya Kumar, the national in-charge of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). Kanhaiya Kumar, hailing from Begusarai, has been vocal about the state’s employment challenges, criticizing the ruling NDA government for its inability to provide stable job opportunities. He highlighted issues such as frequent exam paper leaks and the lack of pension benefits for newly employed government teachers.
Rahul Gandhi’s Involvement
Rahul Gandhi’s participation in the Begusarai leg of the padyatra underscores the Congress party’s commitment to addressing Bihar’s employment crisis. At the Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna, Gandhi was received by Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Rajesh Kumar and other party leaders. His presence aims to galvanize the youth, encouraging them to demand job opportunities from the state government. This strategic move is seen as an effort to connect with the younger demographic and challenge the ruling NDA government ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Critique of the Current Administration
Kanhaiya Kumar has been particularly critical of the current administration’s employment policies. He pointed out that every competitive exam in the state is marred by question paper leaks or ends up entangled in court litigations due to various irregularities. Furthermore, he noted that recently employed individuals, such as government teachers, are deprived of pension benefits that their predecessors enjoyed. Kumar also accused the government of diverting attention from its failures by fostering societal divisions through communal politics.
Migration: A Pressing Concern
The issue of migration remains a significant concern for Bihar. Kumar emphasized that people are compelled to leave the state not just for employment but also for education, healthcare, and even personal milestones like honeymoons. This mass exodus, he argued, leads to Biharis facing humiliation outside the state. The padyatra seeks to address these challenges by advocating for local job creation and improved infrastructure.
Political Implications
The ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ padyatra is perceived as the Congress party’s attempt to reassert its presence in Bihar’s political landscape, especially with the assembly elections on the horizon. While the Congress is expected to contest the upcoming elections in alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Left, this initiative allows the party to carve out its own identity and directly engage with the electorate on pertinent issues.
Rahul Gandhi’s involvement in the ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ padyatra highlights the Congress party’s focus on addressing Bihar’s unemployment and migration issues. By mobilizing the youth and drawing attention to the state’s challenges, the party aims to position itself as a viable alternative to the current administration in the upcoming elections.
By – Sonali
