Is Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav Truly a 'Jannayak'?

Patna, Aug 30 (NationPress) Janata Dal (United) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar has vocally criticized Akhilesh Yadav, the chief of the Samajwadi Party (SP), for labeling Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as “Jannayak” during the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar. He argued that such a comparison belittles the legacy of Karpoori Thakur, who was honored with the Bharat Ratna.

The dispute arose when Akhilesh Yadav participated in the Congress-led ‘Voter Rights Yatra’ in the Saran district, part of the INDIA Bloc initiative.

Earlier, K.C. Venugopal, Congress General Secretary, had referred to Akhilesh as a “steadfast ally” in the fight to “save democracy” from the BJP.

Neeraj Kumar expressed skepticism about Akhilesh’s socialist credentials and questioned his endorsement of Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav as “Jannayaks.” He stated, “Akhilesh Yadav is the son of Mulayam Singh Yadav and claims to follow the socialist path. He must clarify whether he truly believes Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav embody the spirit of ‘Jannayak’,” according to his comments to IANS.

He further emphasized, “Referring to them as Jannayak is a direct insult to the legacy of Karpoori Thakur, who belonged to a very backward community and rose through the ranks to become an icon of social justice. The INDIA Bloc should be ashamed of such a mischaracterisation.”

Neeraj Kumar also requested a public apology from Akhilesh or at least a clarification on whether he places LoP Rahul Gandhi on the same pedestal as Karpoori Thakur.

In addition, the JD(U) spokesperson commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his recent visit to Japan, calling it a pivotal move for India's economic advancement.

“The trade agreements and investments secured during PM Modi’s visit will open up new employment opportunities and strengthen India-Japan ties,” he remarked.

Addressing the ongoing political controversy involving Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, Neeraj Kumar condemned her alleged remark suggesting that Home Minister Amit Shah’s “head should be cut off and placed on the table.”

“Such violent and provocative language has no place in a democracy. This undermines our constitutional values. People in India believe in the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, not in hate or violence. First, they abused the Prime Minister and his mother, and now this—it’s an insult to a constitutional post,” he stated.

Finally, Kumar addressed the recent issuance of nearly 3 lakh notices to voters in Bihar by the Election Commission of India during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

“This is the Commission’s jurisdiction, but the Opposition must clarify whether they want names of deceased persons or those registered multiple times to remain in the list. Those issued notices must now prove their eligibility as per ECI guidelines,” he concluded in his comments to IANS.