In recent times, Rahul Gandhi has made a concerted effort to reach out to the Dalit community, highlighting issues of social justice, the importance of the Constitution, and the need for equitable representation. His focus on Bihar, a state with a rich legacy of Dalit leaders and a complex socio-political fabric, underscores his intent to champion the cause of the marginalized and promote social harmony through constitutional values & perhaps reclaim lost ground in Bihar which goes to poll later this year.

A Vision Rooted in Constitutional Principles

Rahul Gandhi's speeches over the past few months have centered on two critical pillars: social justice and the importance of the Indian Constitution. These two themes are inseparable in his outreach efforts to the Dalit community, with Gandhi emphasizing the need for a strong, inclusive, and just society based on the ideals enshrined in the Constitution.

Rahul Gandhi can be seen displaying a small book of constitution during his public speeches & even during his address in Lok Sabha many times.

Remembering Dalit Leaders: The Legacy of Jaglal Choudhary and Babu Jagdev Prasad

Rahul Gandhi's ongoing engagement with Dalit communities also involves recognizing the contributions of historical Dalit leaders. On February 5, 2025 today, he addressed a gathering in Patna on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Jaglal Choudhary, a prominent Dalit leader from Bihar. Choudhary, the first Dalit minister of Bihar, was a firm believer in the ideas of both Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

His leadership played a crucial role in the fight for the rights and dignity of Dalits in the state. Rahul Gandhi's tribute to him gives a political message to Bihar ahead of elections slated to be held in later months of 2025.

Earlier, on the birth anniversary of another towering Dalit leader from Bihar, Babu Jagdev Prasad (February 2), Rahul Gandhi made a special post on social media, recalling Prasad’s contributions to the fight for social justice and equality.

Jagdev Prasad, who was born in Jehanabad in 1922 and became a key figure in Bihar’s political landscape, is remembered for his advocacy of land rights for the poor, as well as his uncompromising stance against feudalism. Gandhi quoted his famous slogan- “सौ में नब्बे शोषित है और नब्बे भाग हमारा है.

Rahul Gandhi’s post raised several eyebrows and became a talk of political corridors.

Samvidhan Bachao Rally in Bihar

On January 18, he addressed a Samvidhan Bachao Rally in Patna, calling for the protection and promotion of the values enshrined in the Constitution. He stressed the importance of safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities and ensuring that the promise of equality and justice is not diluted.

This rally in Bihar was a political message aimed directly at the Dalit, OBC, and EBC communities, who continue to face systemic disadvantages in both government and private sectors.

In less than a 20 days, Gandhi has made two important tours to Bihar and has raised the issue of social justice.

Will this upset RJD ? Social Justice a known turf of RJD.

This is a well-known fact that Congress is not in the power on its own in the state since 1990 when Lalu Prasad Yadav a champion off social justice became the CM of Bihar for the first time.

At present Congress is a junior partner in the alliance led by Yadav’s RJD. So how RJD’ reacts to the growing outreach of Gandhi towards the dalit section of the society will be interesting to see.