It’s ‘nationalist’ versus ‘secular’ in Begusarai

BEGUSARAI: The Begusarai Lok Sabha seat has turned into a virtual battleground between the self-proclaimed true nationalists and the ‘hyper-secular’ with the debate evoking virulent and sometimes below the belt remarks by leaders of various political parties.
Begusarai is the one seat which has been hogging the limelight because former JNU Students’ Union president Kanhaiya Kumar and firebrand BJP nominee Giriraj Singh are locked in a fierce electoral contest.
While Giriraj projects himself as a ‘Hindu nationalist’, Kanhaiya had grabbed the headline after being charged with sedition in a JNU case. Kanhaiya, who is contesting on a CPI ticket, is often referred to as a member of the ‘tukde-tukde gang’ by his rivals.
Yet, writers, civil right activists and noted artists find in him the voice against the Narendra Modi government for its alleged attack on the secular and democratic framework of the Constitution.
Kamlesh Kumar, head of English department at G D College, Begusarai, said the contest is inviting national attention because of the political profile of the two candidates.
His colleague Deoniti Prasad Sinha, head of political science department, said: “While Giriraj describes his fight as against the fake and distorted version of nationalism by the so-called secular groups who nurture close links with separatist and Maoist forces, Kanhaiya positions himself as a warrior to take on the alleged communal and divisive agenda of the BJP.”
Add further political twist to the contest is RJD’s Tanveer Hassan, who had lost to late Bhola Singh of BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha election and enjoys goodwill among the voters in the constituency for remaining connected. Begusarai goes to the polls on April 29.
As the election date is drawing closer, campaigning has been even more intense. On Saturday, noted film actor Prakash Raj, who is himself an independent candidate for the Bengaluru Central seat that voted on April 18, was here to support Kanhaiya. Another noted film actor Shabana Azmi is also slated to hold two rallies in his support at Balia and Barauni on April 25. Shabana’s husband and lyricist Javed Akhtar would stay here from April 23 to 25 and interact with local intellectuals and other groups in support of Kanhaiya. Besides, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury is also expected to address a public rally in his support.
To counter the massive campaigning from people all across the country, BJP chief Amit Shah would address a public rally on the local G D College ground here on April 24.
For Kanhaiya, film actress Swara Bhaskar, civil right activist Teesta Setalvad, former JNUSU vice-president Shehla Rashid and several others had already addressed a meeting on the day of his filing of nomination papers. Besides, Gujrat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani stayed here for over a fortnight and campaigned for him.
Both Giriraj and Kanhaiya have also been playing mind games in order to strengthen their position as true nationalist and true secular leaders. Giriraj had lashed out at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for his party flags missing and only the Muslim League flags visible when he filed his papers for Wayanad seat in Kerala.
On his part, Kanhaiya got the blessing of Fatima Nafees, the mother of former JNU student Najeeb Ahmad, who allegedly disappeared from the campus after his altercation with ABVP activists.