Over the past month, The Indian Express conducted extensive travels across Bihar to understand voter concerns and gauge sentiment ahead of the assembly elections. Reporters spoke to residents about pressing issues such as employment, migration, caste dynamics, social welfare programmes, and political leadership. They also interviewed key political figures and captured the mood on the ground. With vote counting scheduled for Friday, the coverage included ten detailed reports from various districts. These stories explored the aspirations of migrant workers travelling home, youth perspectives in Patna, political promises made by leaders, and the impact of campaign rallies. The reports also revisited villages after decades, examined the subdued role of religious rhetoric in the state, and assessed the enduring popularity of long-serving leaders. Together, these accounts paint a comprehensive picture of Bihar's political landscape and voter expectations during this crucial election period.
Voter Priorities: Jobs, Migration, and Development
Reporters found that employment and migration were dominant concerns across Bihar. On a packed train from Delhi, migrant workers returning for Chhath Puja spoke about their struggles with jobs, identity, and hopes for change. In Patna, young voters acknowledged visible infrastructure improvements under Nitish Kumar but expressed a strong desire for meaningful employment and reduced outward migration. At Gandhi Maidan, students preparing for government job exams faced disruptions due to election machinery occupying the training ground. In Gaya district's Musahar-majority village of Piparghatti, revisited after 46 years, infrastructure had improved, yet unemployment remained widespread. Voters now prioritise schemes and leaders promising jobs and security over purely identity-based politics, reflecting a shift in electoral expectations.
Political Landscape and Leadership Perceptions
Nitish Kumar emerged as the NDA's strongest asset despite health issues and past political shifts. The BJP initially hesitated but recognised his overwhelming popularity, with many believing the JD(U) will perform better than its 43 seats in 2020. Voters appreciated 20 years of stability under his leadership. Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav emphasised job creation as an investment rather than a cost. Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj generated interest with its focus on basic issues over caste appeals, though voters remained cautious about supporting a newcomer. In his native Konar village in Rohtas district, residents credited him with shaping the poll narrative but were divided on his impact. The BJP's usual religious rhetoric remained subdued, focusing instead on basic amenities.
Source: Link