West Champaran district in Bihar, once infamous for violence and crime in the 1980s and 1990s, has witnessed noticeable changes in recent years. The region, historically known for Mahatma Gandhi's first satyagraha, struggled with dacoity, abductions, and criminal gangs until 2005. These conditions, coupled with unemployment, forced many residents to migrate to other states for work. However, improved law and order under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and better infrastructure have encouraged some migrants to return. According to the 2011 Census, West Champaran was among 14 districts providing a pull factor for migration within Bihar. The district also saw many workers return after losing jobs during the Covid pandemic in 2020. Residents now credit the government for safer streets, better roads, and reduced crime, with many small businesses operating late into the evening. Despite these improvements, challenges remain. Unemployment continues to push youth out of the state, and locals express mixed feelings about the current administration. While some appreciate the development work, others demand more job opportunities. The upcoming Bihar elections have introduced new dynamics, with the ruling NDA facing competition from the opposition Mahagathbandhan led by Tejashwi Yadav and newcomer Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party. West Champaran, considered a BJP stronghold, will vote in the second phase on November 11, with nine Assembly seats in play.
Improved Security and Infrastructure Bring Migrants Home
Many residents who left West Champaran for work in other states have returned, citing improved safety and infrastructure. Sanjay Gupta, who runs a small eatery on the national highway, explained that better roads and security allowed him to set up a business and keep his shop open until late evening—something unthinkable in earlier years. Sheela Devi decided against sending her younger son Naresh to work outside after her elder son fell ill in Mumbai, spending nearly Rs 20,000 on treatment from his Rs 15,000 monthly earnings. Naresh now works at a local fish market, earning less but enjoying the comfort of living with family. For many families, the sense of security and basic amenities have been enough to support Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the NDA coalition in the upcoming elections. The ruling alliance's campaign against the "jungle raj" of the Lalu Prasad era has resonated with voters, especially women, who credit Nitish for improved law and order.
Youth Demand Jobs and Consider Alternatives
Despite improvements in safety, unemployment remains a pressing concern for young voters in West Champaran. Several youths complain about the lack of job opportunities, forcing them to seek work outside Bihar. Raj Kumar, who works at a construction firm in Hyderabad, returned home for Chhath and expressed frustration that roads and law and order cannot be the sole claims of development. He has placed his hopes in Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party, believing it can reduce migration. Rajesh Kumar, a rickshaw driver, echoed the sentiment, stating that it is time for change as the government has failed to provide hope for a better future. Some families, including traditional BJP supporters, have decided to back Jan Suraaj, driven by a belief that Bihar needs new leadership. The opposition Mahagathbandhan, led by 35-year-old Tejashwi Yadav, is aggressively wooing young voters, seeking to unseat the NDA government after nearly two decades out of power.
Electoral Battle in BJP Stronghold Intensifies
West Champaran, a traditional BJP stronghold, will vote in the second phase on November 11. Of its nine Assembly seats, seven are held by the BJP, one by the JD(U), and one by the CPI(ML) L. In Bettiah constituency, five-term MLA and former deputy chief minister Renu Devi faces a multi-cornered contest against Congress candidate Wasi Ahmad, Jan Suraaj's Anil Singh, and Independent Rohit Sikaria. In 2020, she won by 18,079 votes. Local BJP leader Sanjay Jaiswal blamed the 18-month Mahagathbandhan government between August 2022 and January 2024 for stalling development initiatives. He highlighted central government plans for a multi-sector SEZ in Kumarbagh industrial area and proposals for two industrial parks. The district accounts for over 40 percent of Bihar's sugar production, with about six sugar mills operating in the region, contributing to increased land values and reduced migration in recent years.
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