Unemployment and Civic Issues Dominate Bihar's Jehanabad Elections Ahead of 2025

As Bihar approaches the 2025 Assembly elections, unemployment and civic issues are at the forefront. Local residents express their desire for job creation and effective governance to address these pressing concerns.

Vikas Kumar, a 25-year-old science graduate, earns his living by driving an autorickshaw. He hopes the upcoming Bihar government will improve his situation. "We have been hearing the welfare rhetoric from various parties during the past elections. This time, we want action, we want to see change, a new beginning," he said.

Unemployment is a significant concern for educated individuals like Kumar in this election. He supports a government that prioritises job creation to reduce migration for employment. "I bought this autorickshaw on a Rs 3.5 lakh loan, but I earn a pittance. There are many graduates like me in Jehanabad town who are jobless and forced to drive an autorickshaw or do something else," he explained.

Assembly Elections and Key Candidates

Jehanabad district has three assembly seats: Jehanabad, Ghosi, and Makhdumpur, all set for polls on November 11. The NDA has nominated Chadeshwar Prasad on a JDU ticket, while the INDIA bloc has fielded Rahul Kumar on an RJD ticket. The Jan Suraaj party led by Prashant Kishore also has a candidate in the fray.

Locals believe the Jehanabad seat is primarily contested between the NDA and the INDIA bloc. Voters are likely to consider the development work done by Nitish Kumar's government in recent years across all three constituencies.

Community Concerns and Development Issues

Sameer Kumar, 20, assists his father in running a garage after completing high school. He plans to follow his father's path despite dreams of more opportunities. "Even after getting an education, many are jobless or migrating to other places. We belong to the Vishwakarma community, and I have a lot of dreams. But the pace of life in Jehanabad is very slow," he remarked.

Civic issues like waterlogging at an old road underpass beneath the Patna-Gaya rail line trouble Jehanabad residents. They expect the next government to resolve this persistent problem. "In every rainy season, the rail underpass gets waterlogged and vehicles have also been nearly submerged in it on many occasions," said Kumar.

Political Dynamics and Public Sentiment

Tarique Anwar, 33, from Gaya, campaigns for Rambali Singh Yadav of CPIML in Ghosi against Rituraj Kumar of JDU. Anwar senses a desire among people to change the 20-year rule beyond traditional caste considerations.

Supporters of JDU and BJP in Jehanabad claim satisfaction with development and welfare schemes introduced by Nitish Kumar's regime and Narendra Modi's Central government.

Impact of Welfare Schemes

Bihar's Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, launched in late September, has divided opinions among Jehanabad's women voters. Some appreciate it as beneficial, while others view it as an electoral tactic. Prime Minister Modi introduced the scheme via video conferencing, calling it a significant milestone for Bihar's women.

Noori from Pali village in Ghosi received Rs 10,000 through this scheme. When asked about her plans for the money, she said, "I bought a pair of goats; what else can I do with that sum of money?"

Historical Context and Future Prospects

Jehanabad was carved out from Gaya district decades ago and witnessed caste-related violence in the 1990s. Sanjay Singh from Jehanabad town recalls that violent period but acknowledges improvements since then. "Situation has improved, definitely. But, I feel no government should stay in power for long; rotating governments is better for democracy," he stated.

The elections for 121 seats of the 243-member Assembly occurred on November 6. The remaining 122 constituencies will vote on November 11, with results announced on November 14.

With inputs from PTI