Phulwaria, the native village of RJD leader Lalu Prasad located about 25 km from Gopalganj town in Bihar, remains a stronghold of loyalty despite visible neglect. The faded signboard and eroded roads reflect years of underdevelopment since Lalu's regime ended over two decades ago. Villagers recall a time when basic services functioned and grievances were addressed swiftly. Today, residents complain that the primary health centre and school barely operate, and recent road repairs came only through the local RJD legislator. Yet, regardless of governance failures or economic hardships, many inhabitants declare unwavering support for the RJD simply because Lalu is from their village. This sentiment, however, fades sharply beyond the village boundary. In surrounding areas, voters prioritize caste affiliations and candidate performance over regional pride. The Hathua Assembly constituency, which includes Phulwaria and votes on November 11 in the second phase, features a diverse electorate of Yadavs, Kushwahas, Muslims, Bhumihars, Banias, and Dalits. The contest pits sitting RJD MLA Rajesh Kumar Singh against JD(U)'s Ramsewak Singh, both Kushwahas, with Jan Suraaj fielding a Dalit professor.
Village loyalty overrides governance concerns
Residents of Phulwaria openly admit that their votes go to the RJD regardless of performance. A 60-year-old villager notes that meaningful development happened only during Lalu's rule more than 20 years ago, and the administration was once responsive without demanding bribes. Another resident states plainly that because Lalu hails from Phulwaria, loyalty is automatic. The village boasts 2,600 votes, and many claim all will back Tejashwi Yadav. Even those who acknowledge poor law and order during the Lalu era or criticize Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's long tenure still pledge allegiance. One shopkeeper admits skepticism about job promises but insists Tejashwi deserves a chance. A farmer agrees that Nitish delivered development too, yet says when someone from your village contests, you overlook flaws.
Caste and performance dominate outside village borders
Just beyond Phulwaria, voter sentiment shifts dramatically. Caste identity and individual candidate performance replace village pride as deciding factors. A Bhumihar resident living 1 km away says Lalu does not influence his choice, but he supports the RJD because of good relations with sitting MLA Rajesh Kumar Singh, who won by over 30,000 votes in 2020. At Line Bazar, Muslims favor the RJD while OBC Banias and Paswan groups lean toward the NDA. A sweetshop owner recalls the Lalu era's poor security and praises current infrastructure improvements, though he hopes Nitish steps aside. The JD(U) has again fielded Ramsewak Singh against Rajesh, both Kushwahas, while Jan Suraaj nominated a Dalit professor.
Source: Link