The Chapra Assembly constituency in Saran district, Bihar, is witnessing a high-stakes electoral battle in the first phase of voting scheduled for November 6. Once a stronghold of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, who represented the area four times between 1977 and 2009, the seat has been held by the BJP or JD(U) since 2005, except for a bypoll victory by RJD in 2014. This time, the RJD has fielded Bhojpuri film star and singer Shatrughan Yadav, popularly known as Khesari Lal Yadav, 39, hoping his celebrity appeal will help reclaim the seat. The BJP has replaced its sitting MLA C N Gupta with debutant Chhoti Kumari, 35, from the Vaishya community, who previously served as district council chairperson. Locals express widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration, citing poor infrastructure, incomplete drainage systems, inadequate water supply, and minimal development in Dalit settlements. While some residents are drawn to Khesari's star power, others question whether an actor can effectively govern. There is growing sentiment for change, with younger voters particularly interested in RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, though some see the new Jan Suraaj party as a credible alternative. The constituency, traditionally dominated by Yadavs and Rajputs with significant Vaishya and Muslim populations, reflects broader anti-incumbency feelings across the region.
Celebrity Candidate Draws Crowds but Faces Scepticism
Last Wednesday, RJD candidate Khesari Lal Yadav held a roadshow through narrow lanes barely 2 km from where Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary was rallying for BJP candidate Chhoti Kumari. The Bhojpuri star attracted large crowds as his convoy of SUVs passed through villages. At Jigna Tiwari Tola, residents rushed out of their homes to see him, with some even climbing garbage heaps for a glimpse. Dressed in white, Khesari leaned out of his sunroof, waving and greeting people. Rabuddin, a retired Army man, noted many daily-wage labourers skipped work just to see the actor. However, opinions remain divided on his candidature. Some villagers worry that "running a government is not like making a film" and fear he might return to Mumbai after winning. Others believe his existing wealth and fame mean he won't misuse public funds, potentially benefiting the constituency.
Development Failures in Dalit Settlements
In ward 8 of Jigna Tiwari Tola village, inhabited by Dalits, small houses with mud walls, clay tiles, bamboo, and hay surround stagnant water pits. Residents complain of no proper drainage system. Shatrughan Ram pointed to a half-built central drain covered with concrete slabs, explaining it has no outlet because the mukhiya claimed funds ran out. Pappu Ram, 28, said drains overflow during rains, flooding homes and breeding mosquitoes. Kundan Kumar, 28, stated that neither leaders nor development reach their settlement. Under Har Ghar Nal Yojana, nearly a hundred households were connected to a single borewell, resulting in water reaching only about eight homes for 10-20 minutes. Most families still rely on hand pumps. Daily-wagers earn between Rs 400 and Rs 600 per day for 5 to 10 days monthly, while women working in fields earn only Rs 100 daily.
Calls for Change Amid Anti-Incumbency Sentiment
Locals across Chapra expressed dissatisfaction with sitting MLA C N Gupta, whom they have not seen since the 2020 polls. Gupta defeated RJD's Randhir Kumar Singh by just 6,771 votes in 2020. Many residents said they felt "abandoned" by the BJP after a decade in power. Pappu Ram from Revelganj said it was time to give someone else a chance. Ahmed Ali, a cloth merchant in Chapra town, voiced support for Tejashwi Yadav, praising his 17-month tenure as Deputy Chief Minister. Lallan Rai appreciated Tejashwi's enthusiasm but remained uncertain about Khesari. Meanwhile, shopkeeper Rajnish Kumar suggested Jan Suraaj as another option, noting their candidate Jai Prakash Singh, a former DGP who took voluntary retirement, represents the educated leadership Bihar needs. The constituency reflects growing desire for younger, cleaner political alternatives.
Source: Link