A political contest in Patna's Digha constituency highlights contrasting campaign styles as 33-year-old Divya Gautam of the CPI(ML) Liberation challenges two-term BJP MLA Sanjiv Chaurasia, 56. While Chaurasia enjoys support from star campaigners like Bhojpuri actor-singer Manoj Tiwari, Gautam relies on door-to-door outreach and crowdfunding rather than big donors. An academic and theatre actor with two MA degrees, Gautam previously contested student union elections at Patna University in 2012, narrowly losing despite limited resources. She cleared the Bihar Public Service Commission exam but chose academia over government service to retain freedom of expression. Gautam aims to prove that middle-class candidates can win elections without wealth or muscle power. Although she is the maternal cousin of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, she refuses to use his name for political gain, calling it unethical. Digha, the state's largest constituency with over 4.55 lakh voters, votes on November 6 in the first phase. The CPI(ML)L camp hopes youth appeal, women voters, and anti-incumbency sentiment will boost Gautam's chances against Chaurasia, who won by over 46,000 votes in 2020.
Grassroots Campaign Against Star Power
Gautam's campaign differs sharply from traditional political methods. She wraps herself in triple scarves representing CPI(ML)L, RJD, and Congress flags while canvassing narrow lanes in areas like Gosain Tola. Without SUV convoys or celebrity endorsements, she distributes pamphlets and greets residents with folded hands. Her crowdfunding approach appeals to online supporters for donations. Gautam wants to challenge the belief that only wealthy or well-connected candidates can contest elections. During her Patna University student union campaign in 2012, she faced a well-funded ABVP opponent but lost narrowly, demonstrating that limited resources need not guarantee defeat. She believes elections belong to common people and wants to inspire others from middle-class backgrounds.
Voter Discontent and Constituency Challenges
Digha residents express frustration with Chaurasia's two terms as MLA. Local voters in Gosain Tola and Rajiv Nagar accuse him of remaining absent except during campaigns. Basic issues like sanitation plague the area, with garbage collected only fortnightly. Residents complain about flooding during rains, a problem persisting for two decades under the Nitish Kumar government. Young first-time voters criticize inadequate college infrastructure and limited job opportunities in the state capital. The constituency has 2.17 lakh women voters, nearly half its electorate. Several locals demand change after years of NDA rule, arguing that promises remain unfulfilled. The CPI(ML)L believes anti-incumbency, youth energy, and women's participation will strengthen Gautam's prospects.
Source: Link