Amid Bihar’s rapidly shifting political and social landscape, the 12th Bihar State Conference of the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation, which began in Darbhanga, brought issues of contemporary politics, democracy, the Constitution, and social justice to the center stage from the very first day. Held at the Polo Ground auditorium in Laheriasarai, the three-day conference emphasized a united strategy of Left politics, people’s movements, and opposition forces, while calling for broad public resistance against what speakers described as the BJP government’s “bulldozer politics” and attacks on democratic institutions.

The conference began with tributes to icons of people’s movements, social justice, and progressive cultural consciousness. Remembering leaders and cultural figures such as Baba Nagarjun, B. R. Ambedkar, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Mahatma Gandhi, and Ram Manohar Lohia, delegates and leaders reiterated their commitment to carrying forward the struggle for democracy and social justice inspired by their legacy.

“The Fight Against BJP’s Bulldozer Rule Is a Second Freedom Struggle”

Addressing a seminar titled “Democracy Under Bulldozer Rule” during the inaugural session, CPI(ML) Liberation General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya launched a sharp attack on the central government and the BJP, saying that the people of the country must prepare for “a new battle for freedom.”

Dipankar Bhattacharya said that the politics of governance had now been replaced by the open use of bulldozers and that democratic institutions were increasingly coming under the control of those in power. He argued that the struggle to protect the Constitution, democracy, and citizens’ rights needed to be intensified further.

He stated that the student movement, farmers’ protests, and agitations against the Citizenship Amendment Act had created a new wave of democratic resistance in the country. He appealed to opposition parties and mass organizations to build broader unity.

“We may have lost elections, but we have not lost courage,” Bhattacharya declared, adding that people’s collective strength must be mobilized to defeat the BJP’s “bulldozer politics.” Referring to Bhagat Singh, he also stressed the need for a united struggle against imperialism and its “domestic collaborators.”

Opposition Leaders Target Government Policies

Leaders from various opposition parties also addressed the open session of the conference and criticized the policies of both the central and state governments.

Mangani Lal Mandal raised concerns over rising poverty, violence against women, and the electoral process in Bihar, saying that public trust in democratic institutions was weakening. He alleged that money power had been openly used during elections while the administration failed to act.

Congress leader Madan Mohan Jha said that democracy, journalism, and dissenting voices were facing increasing threats. He called upon opposition parties to unite in defense of democratic values.

MP Rajar Ram Singh expressed concern over delimitation and changes in the electoral system, warning that these developments indicated growing threats to the Constitution and democracy.

Meanwhile, CPI(ML) leader Meena Tiwari highlighted increasing repression against women, teachers, and social movements. She said that women had earned their rights through struggle and would not retreat.

Darbhanga Echoes With Red Flags and Slogans

A massive march from Laheriasarai Chowk to the conference venue transformed the political atmosphere of Darbhanga during the event. Thousands of workers, delegates, and supporters participated in the rally amid red flags, protest songs, and slogans.

Slogans such as “Down with Bulldozer Rule,” “Stop Attacks on Democracy,” and “Employment and Education Are Our Rights” echoed across the area. The march conveyed a clear political message — the defense of democratic rights, social justice, and constitutional values.

Upon reaching the venue, participants paid tribute to martyrs of people’s movements and the party at a memorial platform. A two-minute silence was observed in remembrance of their sacrifices and struggles.

Conference Venue Reflects People’s Movements and Progressive Culture

The conference campus has been designed around the theme of people’s struggles and progressive cultural consciousness. The conference township has been named after renowned writer Phanishwar Nath Renu and poet Baba Nagarjun, both considered pillars of Bihar’s people-centric literary tradition.

The main pandal has been dedicated to party leaders Rajaram, Ramdev Verma, and Lakshmi Paswan, while the stage has been named after Madhu Mishra, Daymanti Sinha, and Shahida Khatoon. Entrance gates have also been erected in memory of late party leaders Visheshwar Yadav, Manoj Yadav, Immanuel Haq, and Vishnudev Yadav.

The entire venue has been decorated with red flags, posters, and images depicting people’s struggles. Posters against bulldozer politics, communalism, unemployment, and attacks on democratic rights have emerged as major attractions at the conference.

Emphasis on Scientific Temper and Rational Thought

Alongside political issues, the conference also emphasized the importance of scientific temper and rational thinking. Historians Ram Sharan Sharma, D. N. Jha, and Radhakrishna Choudhary — known for challenging superstition, obscurantism, and communal hatred through intellectual and historical engagement — were also remembered with respect.

During the three-day conference, discussions are expected on several major political resolutions concerning Bihar’s political future, upcoming electoral strategy, social justice, farmers’ and workers’ movements, and democratic rights.