Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, is the Independent MP from Purnea and a prominent grassroots leader in Bihar, particularly in the Seemanchal region. With five Lok Sabha victories since the beginning of his political career as an MLA in 1990, he wields significant influence among the youth, Yadavs, and the marginalised communities.
Though he merged his Jan Adhikar Party with the Congress before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he contested as an Independent after the Congress denied him a ticket due to its alliance with the RJD. Despite this, he has remained loyal to Rahul Gandhi. Now gaining recognition within the Congress, Yadav is emerging as a key strategist ahead of the Bihar polls. In an exclusive interview with Imran Mojib of The Statesman, Pappu Yadav asserts that the Congress is capable of reshaping its political base in Bihar.
Q: How do you see the recently-concluded ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’?
A: Padyatras have a long and important history in Indian politics. Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar also led padyatras. Rahul Gandhi has attempted to understand the country’s problems through his nationwide yatras. Through the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’, he raised people’s concerns. It has improved public perception of Rahul Gandhi and strengthened people’s connection with the Congress. Party workers’ morale has risen. Rahul Gandhi has also been successful in taking alliance partners along. He sent a clear message across India that the BJP has clung to power through ‘vote chori’ (vote theft), not because of genuine public support.
Q: Will it help establish Rahul Gandhi as a leader to look forward to?
A: I can confidently say that people will begin to understand Rahul Gandhi’s vision through this yatra. Many of the things he said during past crises were eventually accepted by the Modi government, whether it was demonetisation, Covid-19, caste census, or the farmers’ agitation. That reflects his foresight and leadership. This yatra has further enhanced Rahul Gandhi’s stature. People have begun to realise that he understands the BJP’s real motives. It was clearly a Rahul Gandhi show, but he ensured that other INDIA bloc leaders were involved too. That shows his political magnanimity. Regional parties should acknowledge this.
Q: Will it help Congress’ revival in Bihar?
A: Rahul Gandhi stands for the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B.R. Ambedkar. In contrast, the BJP draws inspiration from ideologues who were against Gandhi and Ambedkar and favoured Manusmriti. The BJP’s real agenda is not just anti-Muslim, they use Muslims as a tool to suppress Dalits, SC/STs, and tribals. They don’t want these communities to get educated or achieve financial independence. Dalits, especially Jatavs, are 100 per cent Ambedkarites. They’ve understood that it is the BJP that attacks their rights, and only the Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, can safeguard them. Look at the RSS-run Shishu Mandirs, you won’t find children from Dalit, EBC, or SC/ST backgrounds there. The BJP wants to keep these groups dependent through freebies. In contrast, Rahul Gandhi believes in inclusive development and proportionate participation, which is why he advocates “Jiski jitni hissedari, uski utni bhagidari.” Only a genuine caste census followed by proper reservation can ensure educational and economic empowerment. For that, the BJP must go.
Q: Despite being in a coalition, you want Congress to contest 80 per cent of seats in Kosi, Seemanchal, and Mithilanchal.
A: Whoever wins the Kosi, Seemanchal, and Mithilanchal regions forms the government in Bihar. In 2020, RJD lost these areas. They won mainly in the Magadh region, largely due to the Chirag Paswan factor. I’m only asking alliance partners to be realistic. They lack a clear strategy for winning these regions. Sometimes they just alternate between giving tickets to Muslim or Yadav candidates, as if that guarantees victory. It doesn’t. They must understand that even in Muslim-dominated areas, 100 percent of Muslim voters aren’t with them, otherwise, they’d have won more seats. On the other hand, Muslims continue to support the Congress. Moreover, large sections of Bhumihars and Rajputs are still aligned with the Congress.
Q: What is your strategy?
A: Historically, minorities, Dalits, Brahmins, Rajputs, and Bhumihars were the Congress’ core voters. We need to reconnect with them. One way is by giving them election tickets, this sends the message that we still trust and value them. It may not show immediate results, especially with recent confusion around the caste census. But with sustained engagement, they will understand that proportionate participation benefits them too. Also, in every constituency, there are around 1.5 lakh voters who fall into the “Others” category, they are often the deciding factor. We must focus on them as well.
Q: How confident are you of the INDIA Alliance winning the upcoming elections?
A: The ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ has created a positive atmosphere for the INDIA Alliance. Rahul Gandhi has empowered people to understand and demand their rights. But a lot depends on the final outcome of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar by the Election Commission. People can only vote if they remain on the voter list. We also need to ensure fair representation across castes. Ignoring upper caste candidates out of fear that they won’t vote for us is a mistake. If we offer them tickets in constituencies they have influence in, they’ll respond positively.
Q: How many seats should the Congress get? A: The Congress must have an equal say in ticket distribution and should get quality seats.
The alliance partners should understand that the INDIA bloc will win in Bihar because of the Congress and Rahul Gandhi. Minorities and Dalits are firmly with the Congress due to shared ideology and history. Ultimately, the decision lies with the AICC Bihar In-Charge. I have no authority in the party’s internal matters. I am associated with the Congress only as a worker.
Q: Do you think you deserve a bigger role in the party or alliance?
A: Is that possible? Do you think people will accept someone like me? I advocate for love, truth, and compassion. Socrates, Kabir, and Buddha were all persecuted for the same values. I win elections without the backing of any party. I have mass support across castes and religions. Youths follow me because I stand up for them. I constantly work to improve their lives, whatever limited resources I have, I use for their benefit. How many politicians do that? Do you think the traditional politicians will tolerate this?