Bihar Migration Crisis: Tejashwi Yadav Claims Women Voters Demand Sons' Return and Economic Development

Patna:

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial candidate for Bihar Assembly elections 2025, has emphasized that women across Bihar are longing for their children to return from other states. He claims voters in the first phase have cast their ballots against migration, crime, and corruption that have plagued the state.

The first phase of voting in Bihar recorded an impressive 64.66% turnout, which Yadav described as receiving "positive feedback" during his interview with NDTV's CEO and Editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal in Purnea. He suggested that citizens believe they have given the NDA sufficient opportunity, and now they desire change.

"The mothers and sisters who patiently waited in long queues to vote don't want to be separated from their families. They want their sons who work outside Bihar to secure employment within the state and remain with them. Families that currently reunite only during festivals like Holi and Chhath wish to be together throughout the year," Yadav stated.

Bihar has long been characterized by substantial outward migration, with its residents forming a significant portion of the workforce across India. The opposition attributes this exodus to insufficient industries and employment opportunities within Bihar itself.

Yadav asserted that this election has transcended traditional caste and religious divisions, with voters focusing on making Bihar a developed state. This claim is particularly significant coming from someone whose family carries significant political legacy in a state where caste dynamics have traditionally shaped electoral outcomes.

He elaborated, "Bihar aspires to progress and achieve developed status. People want change and have voted accordingly in the first phase. They've voted for employment and industrial development, regardless of caste or religious affiliations. Citizens desire a Bihar free from migration, crime, and corruption. They envision the state becoming an IT and textile hub, with food-processing and agro-based industries since 70% of our population relies on agriculture."

Yadav criticized both the state government under Nitish Kumar and the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for neglecting job creation in Bihar. "Nitish Kumar has been chief minister for 20 years. Migration from Bihar continues to increase, but has the government implemented any effective policy to address this issue? Those living outside Bihar should consider why they remain away despite having both Nitish ji and Modi ji in power," remarked the RJD leader.

He referenced Kota's coaching industry as an example of how migration could be reduced in Bihar. "In Kota, you'll find Bihari students, teachers, cooks, and even security guards. Establish educational institutions here and observe the results. Once we develop proper infrastructure, nobody will need to leave the state," he added.

Employment remains a central issue in Bihar's political landscape, with job creation forming the core of election promises from both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan alliances.

The NDA has pledged to create one crore livelihood opportunities if returned to power, while Yadav's opposition coalition has promised a government job for one member in every family in Bihar. The NDA has questioned the financial feasibility of the opposition's employment proposal.