New Delhi: With assembly elections only months away, TV9’s Digital Baithak series has become an influential stage for Bihar politics. After its opening in Patna on September 12, the second leg was held in Gaya on Sunday, drawing participation from senior leaders across the political spectrum.
Key takeaways from Gaya
The day began with former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who stressed that Bihar’s development cannot move forward without social harmony and the upliftment of marginalised communities. His remarks set the tone for the session, highlighting social justice as a recurring election theme.
Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) leader Santosh Suman added to this by defending his party’s stand on alliances, saying regional forces must be respected for their ability to represent grassroots concerns. Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party leader Ritesh Pandey underscored the urgency of tackling corruption and creating jobs for Bihar’s youth, noting that unless employment is addressed, migration will continue to plague the state.
The panel discussion, featuring Danish Rizwan, Dhirendra Munna, along with BJP and RJD spokespersons, became particularly heated. NDA voices argued that their government had tightened its grip on mafias and improved law and order, while opposition leaders countered that unemployment, education and healthcare remain unaddressed.
Arun Bharti and Anand Mishra spoke about the challenges of bringing credible leadership to the fore, emphasizing the need for educated and accountable representatives. Meanwhile, Akhilesh Singh took aim at dynastic politics, insisting that Bihar’s people want leaders who rise from the ground rather than inherited positions.
Patna’s opening session
The first Digital Baithak in Patna featured Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, Union Ministers Chirag Paswan and Mukesh Sahni, IP Gupta, S Siddharth, Krishna Allavaru, OP Rajbhar, Uday Singh and Dipankar Bhattacharya. Tejashwi created a stir by declaring himself the next chief ministerial contender, while Commissioner S Siddharth surprised many with his reflections on a possible political career.
What’s next
The third baithak will take place in Muzaffarpur on September 16, followed by events in Begusarai on September 18 and Purnia on September 20. Leaders like Kanhaiya Kumar, Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, Sudhakar Singh, Pappu Yadav and Tarkishore Prasad are expected to participate.