‘Badlo Bihar Mahajutan’ on 9 March: A United Platform for People’s Movements, Says CPIML GS
In a significant gathering held in Patna on January 19, CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya addressed the Badlo Bihar Samagam (Transform Bihar Conclave), a platform that brought together representatives of social movements, civil society, and ordinary citizens. Dipankar Bhattacharya highlighted the repression accompanying Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s so-called Pragati Yatra (Progress Journey), which he termed a "Yatra of Repression."
“No one can approach or petition the Chief Minister without facing extreme crackdowns. On one side, we have the struggle to transform Bihar, and on the other, a desperate, repressive campaign to retain power,” he said.
The CPI(ML) leader pointed out that while many demand change, the real question is the direction of this transformation. He cautioned against regressive forces that seek to drag Bihar back to the feudal era, stating, “Bihar will move forward; it will not return to the dark days before the 1990s.”
Dipankar Bhattacharya emphasised the need to resist distractions during elections, warning of conspiracies to suppress key issues. “Our genuine demands must not be overshadowed. We must consolidate all people’s movements to pave the way for a pro-people government,” he said. He called for making the Badlo Bihar Mahajutan at Gandhi Maidan on 9 March 2025 a historic convergence of all movements for justice.
The conclave concluded with the adoption of the following eight-point resolution:
To uphold communal harmony and equality, resolving to build a prosperous and just Bihar where dignity, rights, and justice are guaranteed for all.
Calls for the unity of all socio-economic groups and civil society to build a wave of struggles that can transform Bihar, making the 9 March Mahajutan an emblem of collective resistance.
Condemning the BJP-RSS’s attacks on India’s Constitution and democracy, denouncing statements by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat undermining India’s independence and Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks against Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It vowed to defeat fascist forces and appealed for widespread participation in the CPI(ML)’s Save the Constitution Campaign, including Tiranga Marches on Republic Day.
Condemning the government’s repression of BPSC aspirants, scheme workers, and its use of the Pragati Yatra to spread fear. It demanded a high-level investigation into the BPSC Preliminary Exam, action against mafias in education, and withdrawal of false cases against protesters.
Calls for the implementation of government promises, including Rs. 2 lakh grants, 5 decimal housing land, and permanent housing for all poor families. Demands regularisation of Dalit and marginalised settlements and ownership rights for landless communities. Calls for halting the ongoing land survey in Bihar.
Demands an end to exploitative smart electricity meters, free 200 units of electricity for agriculture and the poor, and wage guarantees and increase for over 10 lakh scheme workers. Also calls for enhanced. an end to the exploitation by microfinance companies and the immediate return of Sahara investors' money.
Demands the inclusion of the expansion of reservations for Dalits and backward communities in Bihar under the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution and the conduction of a nationwide caste census.
The gathering calls for the revival of closed sugar, jute, paper, and cotton mills, along with other industries, and the creation of a detailed action plan to establish a chain of agriculture-based industries. It also demands special status for Bihar to help the state break free from the vicious cycle of poverty.
CPI(ML) will also be carrying out an intensive padyatra (foot-march) would be held across the Seemanchal region from 1–5 February in order to carry forward the struggle for protecting democracy, the Constitution, and social justice in Bihar.
