Can Kanhaiya Kumar’s 2019 Poll Contest Revive CPI in Begusarai?

Begusarai is known for being a Left bastion, but over the years, the popularity of CPI has declined.

The Quint speaks to CPI student leaders.

(Photo: The Quint)

Video Editor: Abhishek Sharma

Begusarai is known for being a Left bastion, but over the years, the popularity of CPI in the constituency has declined. With Kanhaiya Kumar fighting an election in Begusarai in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, will the Left see a revival here? The Quint finds out in a chaupal with CPI student leaders and activists.

Shambu, a student leader says, "With Kanhaiya coming in, Begusarai will be coloured red." The sentiment is echoed by Anshu, a PhD student from JNU, who says, "Begusarai has always been the site of struggle. Kanhaiya is taking that struggle forward."

In 2014 Lok Sabha election, CPI got 1,92,639 votes. What's the strategy for the party this time to get more votes? Sushil Kumar, a student activist says, "We will continue to try and defeat the BJP. Our alliance is with the public. The country needs young leaders. Apart from the hard work of Kanhaiya and party workers, the party needs to change. We need to think on the question of caste and 33% womens' reservation."

Watch the entire chaupal here.