The CPI is heavily banking on the ‘charismatic’ student leader Kanhaiya Kumar for the revival of its electoral prospects in Bihar. The party has roped in the former JNU Students Union leader to launch its fortnight long political campaign from October 9.
Kumar, who is scheduled to begin his campaign against the BJP from Motihari from Tuesday, will hold roadshows and public meetings in Khagaria, Rohtas, Madhepura and Begusarai, said CPI Bihar secretary Satya Narayan Singh. He said Gujarat MLA and social activist Jignesh Mevani would also join Kumar.
The CPI’s campaign will culminate in a “Defeat BJP, Save Nation” rally in Patna.
The party has decided to invite leaders of other non-NDA parties including AICC president Rahul Gandhi, apart from leaders of other Left parties.
However, the CPI is still not sure about fielding Kumar to contest from Begusarai. Last month there had been unconfirmed reports that the student leader would be party’s candidate but Singh said the decision has to be taken by the party’s national executive.
Even though there was no confirmation of Kumar fighting election, rebel BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha announced he would be happy to campaign for him if invited by Kumar or the CPI.
The CPI claimed that Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar have also volunteered to campaign for Kumar if he joins electoral battle.
There is also speculation that all the Left parties would join ranks with the maha gathbandhan in Bihar and contest polls in alliance with Congress, RJD and other smaller parties. But the CPI leaders said the issue has not been discussed by the national executive.
Contrary to the speculations of the unity, the CPI(ML) which held a rally in Patna on September 27 did not invite leaders of Congress and RJD.
However, CPI sources said the party would invite leaders of other parties including Sharad Yadav, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Jitan Ram Manjhi at its rally at Gandhi Maidan, which they claimed would attract a crowd of two lakh.