KKN Gurugram Desk |  As Bihar gears up for its crucial 2025 Assembly Elections, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is on a politically charged visit to the state. His trip, marked by student interaction, a film screening, and administrative pushback, aims to spark conversation around educational justice, caste census, and social equity.

This marks Gandhi’s fourth visit to Bihar in five months, underlining the Congress party’s focused campaign strategy in a politically competitive state.

 Key Highlights of Rahul Gandhi’s Bihar Visit (May 15, 2025)

• Interaction with Dalit, OBC, and EBC students in Darbhanga

• Film screening of “Phule” in Patna with selected intellectuals

• Administrative tension over venue change from Ambedkar Hostel to Nagar Bhavan

• Allegations from Congress about state suppression by JDU-BJP

• Congress’s renewed pitch for caste census, private sector reservation, and education reforms

 Darbhanga: Student Dialogue Under the Banner of ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’

Rahul Gandhi’s first public engagement in Bihar was held in Darbhanga, where he interacted with students under the campaign titled “Shiksha Nyay Samvad” (Educational Justice Dialogue). The focus of the discussion was:

• Delayed degrees and employment opportunities

• Demand for caste-based census

• Reservation in private education and job sectors

Initially scheduled to take place at the Ambedkar Welfare Hostel, the event was relocated to Nagar Bhavan after the district administration denied permission citing the hostel as an academic space unsuitable for political events.

 District Administration’s Statement on Venue Change

Darbhanga DM Rajiv Roushan clarified that Ambedkar Hostel is a strictly academic establishment, and political gatherings are not permitted within its premises. The administration offered Nagar Bhavan as an alternative, citing VIP security and law & order priorities.

He stated,

“Maintaining public order is our foremost priority. Ambedkar Hostel is not appropriate for political dialogues.”

 Congress Accuses State of Suppression

Following the venue controversy, Congress accused the ruling JDU-BJP alliance of deliberately obstructing Rahul Gandhi’s event. AICC media coordinator Abhay Dubey termed the venue change a “repressive move,” suggesting it was a politically motivated attempt to suppress the voices of Dalit and marginalized youth.

Congress leaders also shared videos of students being allegedly stopped by police, claiming that participants were intimidated or turned away.

 Patna: Rahul Gandhi to Watch ‘Phule’ with 250 Selected Citizens

In an unusual political move, Rahul Gandhi will attend a special screening of the film “Phule” — based on the life of social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule — at a mall in Patna. The event is exclusive, with 250 selected intellectuals, academics, and social thinkers in attendance.

Congress leaders have clarified that no senior party officials will accompany him during the screening to keep the focus on social dialogue, not politics.

 Symbolism Behind ‘Phule’ Screening

The decision to watch Phule is symbolic and strategic. It aligns with Rahul Gandhi’s political narrative centered on social justice, caste equity, and educational reform. The film portrays the struggle against caste discrimination and advocates for equality in education — themes central to the Congress campaign in Bihar.

 Political Messaging Around ‘Shiksha Nyay’

Congress state president Rajesh Kumar issued a video message outlining the core demands of Rahul Gandhi’s Bihar campaign:

• Expedited caste census

• Lifting the 50% cap on reservation

• Implementation of reservation in private educational institutions and private companies

The messaging aims to connect with youth and marginalized communities, which form a significant voter base in Bihar.

 Congress’s ‘Shiksha Nyay’ Campaign Launched

As part of this initiative, Congress launched a dedicated website [naukrido.in] and a missed call campaign (99110 414 24) for students to register their support for education justice and better job prospects.

A viral social media message reads:

“अब छात्रों को समय पर डिग्री और पक्की नौकरी मिलेगी! अब कर्ज़ नहीं, काबिलियत पर मिलेगा हक़!”

 Earlier Tensions and Police Intervention

Before Rahul Gandhi’s arrival in Darbhanga, tensions flared when Congress workers protested the administrative decision to shift the venue. Videos circulated online showed party workers sitting on the ground and raising slogans against the Nitish Kumar-led government.

In another development, police were seen asking students to vacate the area, which Congress labeled as “harassment” and “fear of youth empowerment.”

 Repeated Visits: Rahul Gandhi’s Bihar Engagement Timeline

This is Rahul Gandhi’s fourth visit to Bihar in just five months. His previous visits were on:

• January 18, 2025

• February 4, 2025

• April 7, 2025

With every visit, he has consistently focused on:

• Caste census advocacy

• Social justice

• Youth mobilization

Context: Bihar Assembly Elections 2025

Bihar’s state elections are expected to be fiercely contested this year. The Congress-RJD alliance is preparing to challenge the ruling NDA coalition (JDU-BJP). Rahul Gandhi’s frequent visits and focus on education, employment, and reservation policies signal Congress’s ground-level strategy.

 Statements from Congress Leadership

Congress has framed the administration’s refusal to permit the Ambedkar Hostel event as “anti-Dalit” and “anti-student”. Abhay Dubey remarked:

“Stopping Rahul Gandhi from meeting Dalit students is a direct attack on democratic dialogue.”

He accused the Nitish Kumar government of fearing public discourse, especially when it comes to caste equity and youth welfare.

 Impact and Outlook

Rahul Gandhi’s Bihar visit is not just symbolic — it’s a tactical political move to regain Congress’s lost ground in the state. His engagement with students, educators, and marginalized communities, combined with the symbolism of the Phule film, strengthens the narrative of Congress being the voice of the oppressed.

With Bihar politics entering a crucial phase, this visit may mark a significant shift in campaign momentum — especially if Gandhi continues to leverage non-traditional platforms like film screenings and direct youth interaction to rally support.

Rahul Gandhi’s campaign in Bihar is rooted in caste-based inclusion, educational equity, and youth aspirations. Whether these narratives successfully convert into electoral support remains to be seen.

But one thing is clear: the Bihar battlefield is active, and with every visit, Rahul Gandhi is attempting to carve a new political roadmap in a state long dominated by regional parties.