PATNA: In Bihar, the intersection of religious rituals and political discourse has taken center stage as political leaders flock to puja pandals and temples to offer their devotions during the unveiling of the Goddess Durga’s idols on Saptami. However, these visits transcend the realm of religious observance, as many of them seize the opportunity to make political pronouncements even during this sacred time.
On a recent Sunday, Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras, accompanied by party MP Prince Raj, paid a visit to a puja pandal located at Dak Bunglow crossing to seek blessings from the Goddess. Subsequently, Paras addressed the media, criticizing the Grand Alliance government led by CM Nitish Kumar for what he claimed were manipulations in the recent caste survey findings.
“The entire survey is spurious. Its findings were allegedly compiled in the secrecy of offices and homes. We find this deeply unfair,” alleged Paras, who serves as the Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, during his interaction with the media.
He contended that a decade ago, the population of his fellow Paswan or Dusadh caste members was at 7 percent. However, according to the recent survey, their population was indicated at a mere 5.31 percent, as he claimed that his caste members did not vote for the Grand Alliance. He urged the state government to ensure reservation based on the actual population of each caste.
RJD president Lalu Prasad also blended politics with religious observance as he toured puja pandals in the state capital, accompanied by political associates. Speaking to the media after offering prayers to the Goddess at Dak Bungalow on a Saturday evening, he commented, “There is a pervasive atmosphere of deception throughout the country. Truth must ultimately prevail.” Furthermore, Lalu expressed his conviction that the INDIA block would achieve success in both the 2024 LS polls and the 2025 state assembly elections.
When questioned about Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s blessing of his son and RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav as his successor, Lalu offered a cryptic response, “Thik hai, bahut achcha (very good).”
JD(U) National President Rajiv Ranjan, known as Lalan Singh, embarked on visits to puja pandals in his home constituency of Munger. While seeking blessings from the Goddess, he was questioned about his alliance’s prospects in the upcoming LS elections. Singh initially responded in the negative, but when further pressed, he humorously suggested that the media seek such insights from Union Minister Amit Shah. “Yah sab aaplog mangate rahte hain. Kuchh mang lijiye Amit Shahji se (You always ask for these things. Seek some answers from Amit Shah),” he quipped.
Meanwhile, CM Nitish Kumar paid visits to several puja pandals, including Badi Patan Devi, Chhoti Patan Devi, Goddess Shitla temples, and Gardanibagh Thakurbadi. His prayers were dedicated to the “happiness, peace, and prosperity” of the state. The occasion also saw Governor Rajendra Arlekar and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad participating in similar pilgrimages to puja pandals and temples.
This juxtaposition of religious devotion and political discourse underscores the unique interplay between tradition and governance within Bihar’s political landscape.
