Roshan Lal Bittu

Summary of Roshan Lal Bittu’s Political Career

Roshan Lal Bittu, born on August 15, 1993, in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, has established a notable career within the Indian National Congress (INC) ecosystem, marked by his transition from student activism to political leadership. His political journey commenced in 2009 at the age of 16 when he assumed the role of NSUI College Secretary at SSPC, Chandrapur, setting the stage for a swift ascent through the ranks of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the INC. Over the subsequent years, he progressed through various positions, including College President in 2011, District General Secretary in 2012, and District President of NSUI Chandrapur in 2013, where his leadership was recognized with the "Best District President" award. By 2014, he had risen to State Vice President of Maharashtra Pradesh NSUI, and in 2015, he served as Acting State President, demonstrating his growing influence within a critical INC stronghold.

Bittu's career expanded to a national scope as he took on State In-Charge responsibilities for several states, including Chhattisgarh (2016), Jharkhand (2017, 2019-20), Odisha (2017, 2020-22), West Bengal (2021-2024), and Bihar (2022-2024), showcasing his ability to engage with diverse and often politically challenging environments. His appointment as National Secretary of NSUI from 2017 to 2024, overseeing multiple states, further cemented his strategic importance within the organization. Notably, in January 2021, he filed a complaint against Republic TV’s Arnab Goswami, accusing him of treachery for allegedly disclosing sensitive government plans, which underscored his proactive approach to national security issues. Currently, as an All India Congress Committee (AICC) member, Secretary of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, and Media Panelist, Bittu embodies a blend of grassroots activism, national leadership, and media engagement, with a steadfast commitment to youth empowerment and the Congress ideology.

Analysis of Contributions to NSUI and Bharat Jodo Yatra

Contributions to NSUI

Roshan Lal Bittu's tenure within NSUI is characterized by his organizational acumen and advocacy for student rights. Beginning at the college level, he rapidly advanced to national prominence, adapting to the varied political landscapes of different states. His early success was acknowledged with the 2013 "Best District President" award, reflecting his effectiveness in mobilizing students around local issues such as education and employment. As State In-Charge and National Secretary, he navigated competitive regions like Bihar and West Bengal, where the INC and NSUI face significant opposition from regional parties and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His efforts likely focused on rebuilding NSUI’s organizational base, recruiting new activists, and promoting the Congress agenda on youth welfare. A significant act of courage was his decision to file an FIR in 2021 against Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati for making derogatory remarks against women, aligning with NSUI’s progressive values. Additionally, his complaint against Arnab Goswami demonstrated his willingness to confront media figures perceived as undermining national interests, reinforcing his reputation as a fearless leader despite facing police detentions.

Contributions to Bharat Jodo Yatra

The Bharat Jodo Yatra (2022-2023), a 4,000-kilometer march led by Rahul Gandhi aimed at fostering unity and countering divisive politics, highlighted Bittu's pivotal role. Recognized as a “Bharat Yatri-Bharat Jodo Yatri,” he likely played a crucial part in mobilizing youth across states such as Maharashtra and Bihar, leveraging NSUI networks to enhance participation. His organization of a massive 16-kilometer padyatra from Ballarpur to Chandrapur in the midst of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, during a rest day in Nanded, further illustrated his ability to integrate regional efforts with national campaigns. This event, attended by thousands, amplified the yatra’s message of communal harmony and social justice, solidifying his position as a unifying youth leader within the Congress.

Specific Events and Roles

1. Early Leadership (2009-2013)

Role: NSUI College Secretary (2009), College President (2011), District General Secretary (2012), District President (2013).

Details: Bittu's initial years in Chandrapur were instrumental in building a strong local base, with the 2013 "Best District President" award recognizing his skill in organizing rallies and addressing student concerns.

2. State-Level Ascendancy (2014-2015)

Role: State Vice President (2014), Acting State President (2015) of Maharashtra Pradesh NSUI.

Details: These roles strengthened NSUI’s presence in Maharashtra during a challenging period following the 2014 electoral setbacks for the INC.

3. Multi-State Responsibilities (2016-2024)

Role: State In-Charge for Chhattisgarh (2016), Jharkhand (2017, 2019-20), Odisha (2017, 2020-22), West Bengal (2021-2024), Bihar (2022-2024).

Details: Managing NSUI in diverse states showcased his organizational skills, as he navigated coalition politics and opposition strongholds to maintain and expand the organization’s influence.

4. National Secretary (2017-2024)

Role: Oversaw Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar.

Details: Bittu revitalized NSUI in BJP-dominated regions, focusing on critical youth issues such as unemployment and educational access.

5. FIR Against Yati Narsinghanand (2021)

Event: Filed an FIR against the priest for derogatory remarks against women.

Details: This action was a bold stand for social justice, enhancing his progressive credentials within the party and among the public.

6. Complaint Against Arnab Goswami (January 2021)

Event: Lodged a complaint with Chandrapur police.

Details: Accused Goswami of treachery for revealing a secret government plan, reflecting his commitment to national security and willingness to challenge influential figures.

7. Bharat Jodo Yatra (2022-2023)

Event: Key participant and mobilizer.

Details: Bittu's efforts boosted youth participation, aligning with Rahul Gandhi’s vision of national unity and social cohesion.

8. Padyatra from Ballarpur to Chandrapur

Event: Led a 16-kilometer march during a rest day in Nanded as part of the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Details: This march, attended by thousands, reinforced the yatra’s message and highlighted Bittu's role as a dynamic leader capable of mobilizing large-scale support.

9. NSUI Protest at PM's Residence (New Delhi) : Event: On September 23, 2017, Roshan Lal Bittu, along with eight BHU students, was arrested near the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi during a protest demanding the resignation of BHU Vice Chancellor G.C. Tripathi. The demonstration was in response to alleged mishandling of a molestation case on campus and broader safety concerns. Hundreds of students marched to submit a memorandum, but police detained them to prevent a breach of security. This high-profile action underscored Bittu's commitment to student rights and his willingness to engage in direct confrontation with authorities, despite the risks involved.

10. NSUI Candle March (Chandrapur, Maharashtra):

On March 3, 2022, Roshan Lal Bittu led a candle march by NSUI activists and students in Chandrapur to protest against student issues, particularly focusing on educational challenges. The event, themed "Save Students," aimed to raise awareness and demand action from authorities, with participants marching under his leadership to highlight student welfare concerns.

11. NSUI Protest Against JEE Paper Leak, Injured badly in Bihar Police Lathicharge (Patna, Bihar):

On September 6, 2021, Roshan Lal Bittu led a protest march by NSUI activists and students in Patna, demanding justice for students affected by the JEE paper leak issue. The demonstration, supported by student union leaders, called for a thorough investigation and action against those responsible, highlighting the impact on students' futures.

12. NSUI Complaint Against Arnab Goswami (Chandrapur, Maharashtra):

On January 18, 2021, Roshan Lal Bittu filed a formal complaint with the Chandrapur police on behalf of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) against Republic TV's Arnab Goswami. The complaint accused Goswami of treachery against the country, alleging he was informed about the government's secret plan to act against Pakistan after the Pulwama attack, which he allegedly disclosed prematurely, compromising national security. This action highlighted Bittu's role in advocating for national integrity and holding media accountable.

13. NSUI Rally for Farmers and Students (Chandrapur, Maharashtra):

On February 4, 2021, Roshan Lal Bittu led a rally organized by NSUI activists and students in Chandrapur to address both farmer and student issues. The rally demanded action on educational concerns, including better facilities and support for students, with participants marching to emphasize their grievances and call for action from authorities.

14. NSUI Sit-in Protest Against Cancellation of Medical Colleges (Chandrapur, Maharashtra):

On June 21, 2015, Roshan Lal Bittu, as NSUI State Vice-President, led a day-long sit-in protest organized by the local NSUI unit in Chandrapur to oppose the cancellation of six government medical college proposals, including one in Chandrapur, by the union health ministry. Alongside his NSUI team, he participated in the agitation at Gandhi Chowk, demanding reconsideration through a letter to PM Narendra Modi. The protest aimed to unify student efforts across affected regions for simultaneous agitations.

15. NSUI Dharna Against GMC Issues (Chandrapur, Maharashtra):

On June 19, 2015, Roshan Lal Bittu, as NSUI State Vice-President, led a dharna organized by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) in Chandrapur to protest the government's inaction on establishing a Government Medical College (GMC). He accused two ministers from the district of not pursuing the matter properly and criticized MLA Nana Shamkule for failing to secure BJP government permission. The protest, staged at Gandhi Square, aimed to pressure the government and was part of a broader agitation against the cancellation of six GMCs, including Chandrapur.

Overall Assessment :

Roshan Lal Bittu's political career exemplifies his evolution from a local student leader to a national figure within the INC. His contributions to NSUI have significantly strengthened its organizational reach, while his role in the Bharat Jodo Yatra elevated his profile as a unifying force for youth and social justice. His decisive actions, such as the complaints against Arnab Goswami and Yati Narsinghanand, alongside the padyatra during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, highlight his principled activism. As a Media Panelist, he further extends his influence by engaging with public discourse, offering insights on Congress policies and youth issues. Despite the challenges of operating in hostile regions and facing police detentions, his focus on youth mobilization positions him as a promising and influential leader within the Congress, with a clear vision for the future of Indian politics.