Bihar-based YouTuber Manish Kashyap, who faced arrest last year over accusations of disseminating ‘fake videos’ depicting attacks on Bihari migrants in Tamil Nadu, has now officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Kashyap, known for his channel ‘Manish Kashyap Son of Bihar’ boasting 8.75 million subscribers, announced his political affiliation in Delhi alongside BJP’s MP Manoj Tiwari.
Expressing gratitude towards Tiwari and the BJP for their support during his legal ordeal, Kashyap attributed his decision to his mother’s admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party’s stance on issues close to his heart, particularly the preservation of Sanatan dharma.
In his address, Kashyap vowed to contribute to the BJP’s growth in Bihar and criticized the state’s previous governance under the leadership of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family, accusing them of corruption and neglect.
Reflecting on his journey, Kashyap highlighted the challenges he faced, including the imposition of the National Security Act (NSA), which has now been withdrawn. He reiterated his commitment to nationalist causes and thanked BJP leaders for their solidarity.
Manoj Tiwari, acknowledging his longstanding association with Kashyap, emphasized the BJP’s appreciation for voices advocating for the underprivileged.
Manish Kashyap’s journey has been marred by controversy, stemming from his arrest in March 2023 over the alleged dissemination of misleading videos portraying attacks on Bihari migrants in Tamil Nadu. Following months of legal proceedings, he was released in December 2023 after spending time in both Bihar and Tamil Nadu jails. The incident had fueled tensions between the two states, prompting Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, MK Stalin, to issue statements urging migrants not to heed rumors.
Despite the turbulent past, Kashyap’s alignment with the BJP signifies a new chapter in his public engagement, as he pledges to continue his activism within the party’s framework.
