Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday left for Bihar to join the ongoing ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ Yatra in Begusarai, spearheaded by NSUI National Incharge Kanhaiya Kumar. The campaign, aimed at highlighting unemployment and youth migration from Bihar, is gathering momentum ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
The Congress MP will later address a public rally in Patna as part of the initiative.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) a day prior, Rahul Gandhi had announced his visit, calling on Bihar’s youth to join the movement.
“Young friends of Bihar, I will be coming to Begusarai on April 7th to join you in the ‘Roko Palayan, Do Naukri’ campaign, walking shoulder to shoulder with you. The goal is to show the world the spirit of Bihar’s youth, their struggles, and their hardships,” he posted.
In a symbolic move to unite the youth under a common demand, the Congress leader urged participants to wear white T-shirts during the Yatra.
“Come wearing a White T-Shirt, ask questions, raise your voice–to put pressure on the government for your rights, to hold them accountable. Let’s come together and make Bihar a state of opportunities,” Gandhi said.
He further added that rising unemployment, inflation, paper leaks, and the decline in government jobs—alongside privatization that allegedly benefits only a few—are driving the campaign.
“This is called the ‘Palayan Yatra.’ Come and join us wearing a white t-shirt so that the world can see the emotions of Bihar’s youth and put pressure on the Bihar government. We want to mobilize the energy of Bihar’s youth and build a new Bihar,” he emphasized.
However, the campaign hasn’t gone without criticism. Union Minister Giriraj Singh hit back, calling Gandhi’s visit ironic.
“He (Rahul Gandhi) should seek atonement instead. Congress ruled for 60 years and raised the slogan of removing poverty, but they couldn’t eradicate poverty. The Narendra Modi government has lifted 25 crore poor people above the poverty line,” Singh said.
Taking a jibe at past Congress promises, Singh added, “In Begusarai, his father had said that they would open a petrochemicals facility in 1985, but nothing ever happened. His eyes will be dazzled when he sees PM Narendra Modi’s roads and Nitish Kumar’s development in Bihar.”
