The Bihar State Standing Committee meeting of the CPIML, held in Patna on November 19, focused on addressing the pressing issues raised during the recently concluded Badlo Bihar Nyay Yatra. The meeting deliberated on the third phase of the movement and plans to organise a massive public gathering (Mahajutan) in Patna to escalate the campaign.
Key discussions revolved around the Haq Do, Vada Nibhao campaign (August-September), Badlo Bihar Nyay Yatra, held from 16 to 26 October, and the Badlo Bihar Nyay Sammelan held on 27 October in Patna. State Secretary Kunal highlighted the widespread response the padyatra received from marginalised communities, grassroots workers, and local movements.
“The issues we raised—ranging from increasing violence against Dalits, the demand for housing and land rights, and anger over land surveys and smart meters—have resonated deeply,” Kunal said. He added that the yatra saw significant participation from workers such as ASHA, Jeevika, Anganwadi, and Rasoiyas (mid-day meal workers), reflecting their growing dissatisfaction with government policies. The campaign also brought attention to longstanding demands such as Rs. 2 lakh grants, housing land, and permanent homes for poor families.
Dhirendra Jha pointed out that under pressure from such movements, the Nitish Kumar government had announced a Rs. 1 lakh aid for housing land for Dalits and marginalised groups. “However, this is nothing but a cruel joke. On today's date, one cannot purchase even three decimals of land for Rs. 1 lakh. This will be a major issue in the third phase of our movement. We will demand immediate allotment of land rights for the poor where they currently reside, under the slogan: ‘Jo gareeb jahan basa hai, us zameen ka parcha do’ (Provide ownership of the land where the poor are settled),” he added.
Leader of the Legislative Party Mahboob Alam emphasised that the upcoming legislative assembly session will focus on key issues. These include the Nitish government’s attacks on Jeevika workers, increasing suicides due to microfinance debt traps, debt waivers, higher pension amounts, free electricity of up to 200 units for the poor, inclusion of reservation provisions in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, and the demand for Bihar to be granted special state status.
The meeting was attended by CPIML General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, along with senior leaders Swadesh Bhattacharya, State Secretary Kunal, Amar, Dhirendra Jha, Meena Tiwari, KD Yadav, MLC Shashi Yadav, former MP Rameshwar Prasad, Ara MP Sudama Prasad, Leader of the Legislative Party Mahboob Alam, and Satya Dev Ram.
The Badlo Bihar Nyay Yatra has demonstrated that the people of Bihar are yearning for change. The upcoming mass gathering in Patna will further amplify these voices and pressurise the government to address the genuine concerns of its citizens.
