On Friday, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh will kick off his ‘Hindu Swabhiman Yatra’ in Bhagalpur. This journey aims to foster unity among Hindus in Bihar.
Earlier on Thursday, addressing the media in Begusarai, Giriraj Singh talked about his plans for the yatra. His itinerary includes stops in districts of the Seemanchal region, known for their Muslim-majority populations.
Additionally, his yatra will commence from Bhagalpur to Katihar via Naugachia on Saturday. It will be followed by visits to Purnea on 20 October, Araria on 21 October, and concluding in Kishanganj on 22 October.
His decision to travel through these specific districts has stirred up controversy because of the different religions in the area.
Moreover, Giriraj Singh asserted that the goal of the Yatra is to promote Hindu unity and pride. He believes it is important to strengthen the Hindu community in these areas.
Given Bihar’s history of communal dynamics, the yatra is likely to spark political discussions and reactions. The planned yatra has faced criticism from opposition parties, while the BJP has distanced itself from the event.
Bihar BJP Chief Says Yatra Not Organized By Party; Opposition Leaders Speak Out Against It
Bihar BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal has made it clear that the yatra is not being organized by the party.
JD-U leader and MLC Neeraj Kumar, along with leaders from the RJD, Congress, and Left parties, have spoken out against the yatra.
Defending his mission, Union Minister stated, “The Hindu community must unite to avoid a fate similar to that of Hindus in Kashmir, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. My Yatra aims to awaken Hindus to the potential dangers of disunity.”
“If Hindus lose their status in the country, Indian democracy itself would be endangered,” he added.
In response to the criticism, Singh made it clear that his yatra does not promote illegal activities. He further added that it is a means to protect the identity and survival of Hindus.
Taking a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Giriraj Singh accused him of wanting a civil war in India with his provocative statements and disrespect for the law.
The Union Minister called the Waqf Board an ‘illegitimate child of the Congress’. He further accused the Congress of blindly supporting the Board’s decisions.
The Union Minister’s bold and controversial comments have increased the political tension around the yatra, especially in the communally sensitive Seemanchal region.
Also Read: PM Modi Holds Key Meeting With NDA Leaders On Governance & Development In Chandigarh
