Is the Formation of Fishermen Commission Merely a Gimmick Before Bihar Elections?

Synopsis
Mukesh Sahani, President of the Vikassheel Insaan Party, has accused the NDA government of using the Fishermen Commission as a mere ploy to win support from the Nishad community ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. This article explores his critical stance and the implications for Bihar's political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Mukesh Sahani criticizes the NDA for its late announcement of the Fishermen Commission.
- The move is seen as an attempt to win over the Nishad community.
- The NDA is under pressure to fulfill promises made to marginalized groups.
- The Nishad community is politically assertive and demands reservations.
- Upcoming elections in Bihar will test the NDA's support among key demographics.
Patna, June 1 (NationPress) Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) President and former Bihar minister Mukesh Sahani on Sunday criticized the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government, branding the establishment of a Fishermen Commission as merely a pre-election stunt.
Addressing reporters, Sahani referred to the initiative as a “bargain” presented just months prior to the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, intended exclusively to attract the Nishad community.
“Why has this government suddenly recalled the necessity of a Fishermen Commission just ahead of the elections? This is nothing but a facade. For years, the NDA has been in power, yet they have not taken substantial measures to tackle the challenges faced by fishermen or the Nishad community,” he stated.
Sahani, claiming to have robust backing from the Nishad community, accused the NDA of reneging on its commitments to the community in previous elections. He asserted that the current formation of the commission is a desperate attempt to regain lost favor.
“The NDA has lost the Nishad vote. People have recognized their deceits. They failed to keep their promises, and this time, the Nishads will make them face consequences,” he affirmed.
The VIP leader cautioned the BJP and its coalition partners that unless they fulfill essential demands such as reservation for the Nishads, akin to provisions in other states, they should not anticipate any support from the community.
The Nishad community, historically linked to fishing and aquatic livelihoods, represents a crucial voting demographic in Bihar. With Sahani leading VIP, which primarily advocates for their rights, the community has become increasingly politically active, seeking representation, rights, and reservation advantages.
“Without reservation, the NDA will not secure a single Nishad vote. This community is united and resolute in defeating those who made hollow promises,” Sahani emphasized.
These comments arise during a period of heightened political engagement in Bihar as the 2025 state Assembly elections approach.
The NDA is facing scrutiny on various fronts, including law and order, employment, healthcare, and caste-based justice, and is under pressure to maintain its support base, especially among marginalized and backward communities.