Kanhaiya Kumar's journey from Begusarai to Delhi: Overcoming criticisms, controversies, CPI(M)

The Candidate: Kanhaiya Kumar, a prominent Indian political figure, is reportedly being considered as a potential candidate from North East Delhi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This move positions Kumar against the incumbent MP, BJP's Manoj Tiwari. While Kumar gained recognition in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the Begusarai constituency in Bihar, his prospective nomination in the Delhi political landscape marks a significant development.

Hails from Begusarai

Born and raised in the village of Bihat, situated in Begusarai district, Bihar, Kanhaiya Kumar's political trajectory reflects a commitment to grassroots activism. Hailing from a family with a history of supporting the Communist Party of India (CPI), Kumar's upbringing instilled in him a sense of social consciousness and political engagement.

Activism as JNUSU president

Kumar's academic journey led him to pursue higher education at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he emerged as a prominent student leader. His tenure as the president of the JNU Students' Union catapulted him into the national spotlight, advocating for issues ranging from social justice to academic freedom.

List of controversies, criticism

Despite his commendable activism, Kumar's political journey has been marred by controversies and adversities. His arrest in February 2016 on charges of sedition sparked widespread protests and debates on freedom of expression in India. Subsequent incidents, including threats to his life and physical assaults, underscored the volatile nature of Indian politics.

JNU Sedition Controversy:In February 2016, Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police on charges of sedition related to an event held at the JNU campus. The event was organized by JNU students to mark the second anniversary of the execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. Kumar denied participating in any slogans against the integrity of the country. His arrest sparked strong reactions from opposition parties, teachers, students, and academics, leading to protests and strikes at JNU.

During court hearings, Kumar faced assaults at the Patiala House court. A panel appointed by the Supreme Court later confirmed security lapses by the policemen present at the court.

On March 2, 2016, Kumar was granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court for six months, with the condition that he would not engage in any anti-national activities. The court noted the lack of evidence of Kumar participating in anti-national slogans. A separate investigation by the Delhi Government also found no evidence against Kumar.

After his release, Kumar received death threats, including offers of rewards for harm against him. He delivered a speech on March 3, 2016, at JNU, emphasizing his commitment to freedom within India and urging his supporters to oppose divisive forces.

Kumar faced further controversies, including criticism for comments made about the Indian Army's actions in Kashmir, resulting in legal complaints against him. Additionally, allegations surfaced regarding his behavior towards a fellow student, for which he was fined by the JNU administration.

Despite facing verbal and physical attacks, Kumar remained defiant in his stance and continued his political engagement, including contesting the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 as a CPI candidate.

Electoral endeavors

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Kumar contested from Begusarai on a CPI ticket, albeit facing defeat. His political aspirations, however, remained undeterred as he continued to advocate for marginalized communities and democratic values.

Potential candidacy in Delhi

As reports suggest, Kanhaiya Kumar's potential candidacy in North East Delhi signifies a strategic move by the Congress party to leverage his grassroots appeal and political acumen. If nominated, Kumar's presence in Delhi's electoral landscape could invigorate political discourse and offer an alternative vision for governance.

Kanhaiya Kumar's journey from Begusarai to Delhi's political arena epitomizes resilience and commitment amidst formidable challenges. His emergence as a symbol of progressive politics underscores the evolving landscape of Indian democracy, where voices of dissent and advocacy resonate across diverse communities.