CPI(ML)’s ‘Badlo Bihar Yatra’, launched on June 18 with the slogan “Badlo Sarkar, Badlo Bihar” (Change the Government, Transform Bihar), concluded on 26 June with a mass rally at Patna’s GPO Golambar. The campaign was marked by sharp criticism of the Modi government and strong calls to defend democracy and the Constitution.
Addressing the concluding rally, CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said that the INDIA alliance, if elected to power, would begin implementation of a minimum Rs. 1,500 monthly social security pension. “The NDA took 20 years to raise it from Rs. 400 to Rs. 1,100. We will ensure Rs. 2,500 per month as women's respect allowance,” he said.
In his address, Comrade Dipankar slammed the Modi government for imposing an “undeclared emergency.” He said that the government is misusing state machinery for electoral gains, deploying government employees in election rallies and ignoring complaints to the Election Commission. “What we are witnessing today is a systematic attack on the constitutional right to religious freedom and education. Interference in Waqf Board lands is only the beginning, churches and gurdwaras could be next,” he warned.
He also condemned the National Education Policy, saying it was being used as a pretext to shut down schools and undermine the right to free and equal education.
CPI(ML) General Secretary raised serious concerns about voter suppression in Bihar. “Right before the election, nearly 80 million voters are being asked to provide proof of citizenship, even parents’ birth certificates. How many actually have such documents? This is nothing but a conspiracy to delete names from the voter list,” he noted.
Citing rising poverty and low wages in Bihar, he said the state had been turned into a source of cheap migrant labour. He also highlighted the plight of those same migrants in Delhi, where BJP’s bulldozers are razing the homes of workers who had once been promised “housing where the slum exists.”
“From airports to railways, public infrastructure is being handed over to Adani and Ambani, while hundreds have died in recent aviation accidents due to a complete breakdown of safety,” he added.
Calling the upcoming election a battle not just to change the government but to “save democracy and the Constitution,” Com. Dipankar said the nationwide strike on July 9 would be a decisive moment in the people’s movement.
Scenes from the Final Day of the Yatra
On the final day, the Yatra resumed from Nima village in Punpun and moved through Bagga Road to Ganj in Phulwarisharif, where it was warmly welcomed under the leadership of block president Gurudev Das. Leaders and workers were honoured with garlands, and a public meeting was held.
Speaking at the event, Arwal MLA Mahanand Singh highlighted the failures of the state government. Karakat MP Rajaram Singh noted that the double-engine government was trying to incite Hindu-Muslim conflict in Phulwarisharif by branding it a terror hub.
The Yatra then passed through Kurkuri, Ishopur, Chitkohra and reached Anisabad and Beur Mor, where local residents gave a warm reception. The final stop was Jagannpura in Phulwarisharif constituency, where CPI(ML) leaders were received by Patna City Secretary Abhyuday and Panna Lal. A large public meeting followed, with General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya as the chief guest and local MLA Gopal Ravidas presiding.
Addressing the rally, Gopal Ravidas said that Phulwari had long been neglected and his efforts had begun a new chapter in development. He acknowledged that much work remained and urged the people to spread the campaign against the anti-people government to every household.
The Yatra, which covered Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Arwal, Jehanabad, Paliganj and Vikram before reaching Patna, was led by Patna District Secretary and Magadh in-charge Comrade Amar. It received overwhelming support in rural areas, where people openly expressed anger against the government.
