In the Patna Sahib Assembly constituency, both the BJP and Congress have fielded first-time candidates, marking a significant shift in political strategy. The BJP replaced seven-term MLA and Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav, 72, with Ratnesh Kushwaha, a 45-year-old lawyer. Congress has nominated Shashant Shekhar, 35, an IIT-IIM graduate and Yadav community member who previously worked with Prashant Kishor. This urban constituency, named after Guru Gobind Singh's birthplace, has been a BJP stronghold since its formation after 2008 delimitation. The voter base includes Vaishyas, Yadavs, Kurmis, and Kushwahas. With 3.88 lakh voters and one of the youngest electorates in Patna district—including nearly 67,000 voters aged 20–29—the seat presents a generational test. While caste remains influential, urban concerns like waterlogging, infrastructure, and employment are increasingly shaping voter priorities. Voting is scheduled for the first phase on November 6.
Caste Calculations and Candidate Backgrounds
The BJP's decision to replace its Yadav incumbent with a Kushwaha candidate, while Congress fielded a Yadav, reflects deliberate caste strategies. The Kushwaha community, traditionally linked to agriculture, is part of non-Yadav OBCs the BJP seeks to consolidate. In 2020, Nand Kishore Yadav defeated Congress's Pravin Singh Kushwaha by 18,300 votes. This time, Pravin has been shifted to Kahalgaon. Shashant Shekhar, who worked with the Indian Political Action Committee, represents Congress's effort to attract educated middle-class voters. Jan Suraaj has fielded Vinita Mishra, 55. Local trader Subodh Kumar noted that people in Bihar still largely vote along caste lines, with upper castes favouring BJP and backward castes leaning toward Nitish Kumar or Lalu Prasad.
Urban Issues Challenge Traditional Voting Patterns
While caste identity remains important, many voters emphasize governance and development. Postgraduate student Vishwesh Sharma stated that work matters more than caste this time, highlighting issues like severe waterlogging, inadequate infrastructure, and employment. Rohan Verma, 27, expressed frustration that Bihar has lagged due to caste-based voting, urging the younger generation to prioritize development. Business owner Akhil Gupta praised improvements under Nitish Kumar and Narendra Modi, noting transformed travel times between Danapur and Patna city. An auto-rickshaw driver, however, insisted caste cannot be escaped in Bihar. With 6,939 first-time voters and high literacy rates, observers suggest the constituency's urban character may influence outcomes beyond traditional caste alignments.
Source: Link