In a bold move to consolidate support among Yadav voters in Bihar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) orchestrated a massive “Govardhan Mahotsav” in Patna, drawing participation from a staggering 21,000 Yadavs. This strategic outreach comes as a response to the recent caste-based survey conducted by the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, which identified Yadavs as the largest caste group, comprising 14.26% of the state’s population.
The BJP’s initiative is a calculated effort to challenge the influential “M-Y” (Muslim and Yadav) vote bank, a stronghold of the opposition. The event gained significance following Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s skepticism about the authenticity of the caste-based survey during his recent visit to Bihar.
Addressing the gathering, Bihar BJP Chief Samrat Chaudhary emphasized unity, stating, “More than 21,000 Yadavs joined us today. We’ll stand undefeated once together, as one is the descendant of Lord Ram (Kushwaha), while the other is of Lord Krishna (Yadav).” Chaudhary subtly alluded to corruption charges against Lalu Yadav’s family, asserting that those proven corrupt by the court would face consequences under PM Modi’s leadership.
Union Minister Nityanand Rai seized the opportunity to question Lalu Prasad Yadav’s decisions, particularly his elevation of Rabri to the post of Chief Minister. Rai criticized Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for controversial statements, comparing them to the disrobing of Draupadi in Mahabharata, and pledged that the BJP, if elected, would ban cow slaughter in Bihar.
In a swift response, RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav accused the BJP of sowing division among Yadavs during an address at the local ISKCON Temple. Lalu dismissed Union Minister Rai’s past affiliation and predicted that Rai would lose his deposit if contested against Tej Pratap.
