In 2005, Nitish Kumar’s ‘Nyaya Yatra’ changed the direction of Bihar’s politics. Starting from Champaran, the journey started as a strict administrator and symbol of development against Jungle Raj.
The year of 2005 brought a decisive turn in the history of Bihar. After the 15-year-old Lalu-Rabri Raj, the public was seeking change. The same year Nitish Kumar took over the reins of power for the first time and a new chapter started in Bihar politics. It is said that the 2005 election not only changed the government, but also changed the direction of Bihar politics. Elections were held again in October after the fragmented mandate in the election held in February this year. Prior to this election, youths full of expectations Nitish Kumar reached the land of Champaran in the month of July, but when he reached there, he was not just campaigning. He was completely creating a picture of the future of the state. This was his historical ‘Nyaya Yatra’, which not only changed Nitish’s thinking, but also changed the track of Bihar politics.
Earth of Champaran and round of crime
Crimes like Champaran, known for Gandhiji’s satyagraha against the British rule, ransom, kidnapping, road robbery, riots by 2005 also became identity. Nitish Kumar saw the reality of this ‘Jungle Raj’, dilapidated roads, scared public and life away from development.
Dialogue with public changed view
During the Nyaya Yatra, at that time, Nitish Kumar himself said that three-three thousand crore rupees are going out of Bihar every year for children’s education and treatment of people. He told the public, “This money should now be spent in the development of Bihar.” During his visit to people during his visit, he also clarified that establishing the rule of law in the state and attracting investment would be the first priority.
The image of strict administrators made from Champaran
When Nitish challenged the criminals in the meeting of Champaran, the echo of applause and the enthusiasm of the crowd was extraordinary. His message was clear in every meeting, the public should not be confused, choose development with justice for the widespread upliftment of the state. Based on the experiences of the journey, Nitish Kumar coined the model of ‘development with justice’, in which law and order was paramount. Topics like work in the field of land reforms, awakening public power, curbing corruption became part of his vision at the same time.
The message of new behavior
During this journey, when CM Nitish Kumar reached Muzaffarpur, he said that being Bihari is not a joke, it would be a matter of pride. There is a lot of intelligence among the people here, if Biharis get opportunity on the moon, then they will also make the moon successful. He appealed to the people to vote above caste-religion for development and good governance, saying, “This time there is a fight across, only vote in the name of development.”
Historical result
By October 2005, Bihar’s voter was ready for change. The investigation, dialogue and strict promises of ‘Nyaya Yatra’ made Nitish Kumar the leader of Bihar’s expectations. In this election, Nitish Kumar’s JDU contested 139 seats and won 88 seats, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal contested 175 seats and won only 54 seats. The BJP contested 102 seats in association with JDU and won 55 seats.