Bhagalpur votes today: With Nitish dented, his party candidate banks on PM Modi

The dwindling popularity of JD(U) leader and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and what voters see as Mandal’s own lack of interest in his constituency appear to be stacking the odds against him. In fact, he appears to be the least popular candidate in the fray, even among those who have voted for him in the past.

Yaksh Mandal, who is from the same Gangotri extremely backward class (EBC) as Mandal, says he will press NOTA on the EVM this time.

“He never visits any area and has done nothing for the constituency. When people ask him to get some work done, he says you have voted in the name of Modi so go and ask him. Since I cannot vote for the Congress, I will press NOTA,” he says.

Anand Mandal, a government employee who is from the Kurmi caste (to which Nitish Kumar belongs) is ready to ditch the JD(U) this time.

“Caste is not everything. This candidate needs to be taught a lesson. Our heart is still with Nitish Kumar but Ajay Mandal needs to be defeated,” he says.

It is a complaint that cuts across caste lines, across the constituency.

Up against Mandal is Ajit Sharma, Congress MLA from Bhagalpur, elected three times. He is also the leader of the Congress Legislature Party in the Bihar Assembly.

A wealthy businessman of the region, Sharma is also famous as the father of Bollywood actors Neha Sharma and Aisha Sharma. Neha has also held roadshows in support of her father, drawing massive crowds.

The Congress is counting on what it calls the “voter anger” against Mandal, the significant Yadav and Muslim votes in the constituency, and an anticipated split in Bhumihar votes – Sharma is a Bhumihar – to turn the tables. Sharma is also considered “an educated and approachable politician”, something that appeals to many voters.

There are around 20 lakh voters in Bhagalpur – 4.5 lakh are Muslims and 3 lakh Yadavs. About 2 lakh voters each are Dalits and Koeris/Kurmis, and about 5 lakh belong to the ‘upper castes’.

But the NDA and Mandal, riding on the popularity of Narendra Modi, are confident of retaining the seat. Many voters are rooting for the lotus – the BJP symbol – although Mandal is a JD(U )candidate.

The refrain underlines the diminishing relevance of Nitish Kumar in the region this election.

“Nitish Kumar’s time is over. We will vote for his candidate in the name of Modi, but in Assembly polls, a new face is needed. Be it from JD(U) or the BJP. He has made too many somersaults. It is becoming difficult to trust him,” says Sunil Kumar, also a Kurmi from Jyoti Vihar in the constituency.

Shashi Kumar, a Pasi Dalit, and Pritam Kumar, a Kushwaha, both from Bhitti village in Nathnagar Assembly segment of the constituency, berate the CM for having completely forgotten development work after his first term, and for the corruption spawning from the prohibition in the state.

While they don’t think much of the JD(U) candidate, they will still vote for him. “What is the option after all? Desh ke liye vote karna hai,” they say.

Vineet Singh, a Rajput from Jamsi village in Kahalgaon, is equally annoyed with Mandal, but he too will “vote for the nation”.

He does, however, believe that challenger  Sharma has “an outside chance” of winning. “Many in the upper castes see him as a good candidate. He is sophisticated and has influence. He meets people. People are also so angry with Nitish Kumar that they want JD(U) to lose so that the party is finished and next time the constituency goes to the BJP kitty,” he said.

In Agarapur village, Badshah Mandal is voting for JD(U)because “it will help Modi win”.

Mandal is also counting on the votes of women, many of whom are still loyal to Nitish Kumar. “The party which has got us pension and dignity will get our votes,” says Sunita Devi.

Muslims and Yadavs, however, appear to be firmly backing the Congress, with many Yadavs finding faults with the Modi government schemes. “Ration kahan mil raha hai thik se. Paanch kilo mein se dealer ek kilo rakh leta hai (There is a problem with ration delivery. Of every 5 kilos, the dealer keeps a kilo),” they say.

Among Dalits, there is a split. While many are rooting for the Congress, the Paswans are firmly with the BJP, pointing to the “rising prestige of India” under Modi’s leadership.

But there appears to be no division of the Bhumihar votes. Bablu Kumar Rai from Sabour says, “We did think about Sharma for a moment, but then decided to go for the party which speaks for the forward castes. After all, we are the oppressed classes now.”