Bihar Elections 2025: Unemployment and Infrastructure Issues Top Voter Concerns in Jehanabad

Residents of Jehanabad are advocating for a government that prioritizes employment creation to reduce migration to other states.

In Jehanabad, 25-year-old Vikas Kumar, a science graduate, currently makes his living driving an autorickshaw. He expresses hope that the upcoming Bihar government will transform his circumstances following the current elections.

"We've heard plenty of welfare promises during past electoral campaigns. This time, we desire concrete action and visible change, a fresh start," he stated.

As Kumar voices his concerns at the Jehanabad Bus Stand, other autorickshaw drivers gather around to share their expectations for the 2025 Assembly elections.

For educated individuals like Kumar, unemployment represents a critical issue in this election. He supports a government that will focus on job creation, thereby reducing the necessity for residents to migrate elsewhere seeking employment.

"I purchased this autorickshaw with a Rs 3.5 lakh loan, yet my earnings are minimal. Many graduates in Jehanabad town face similar situations—unemployed and forced into driving autorickshaws or finding alternative livelihoods," he informed PTI.

Twenty-year-old Sameer Kumar, who assists at his father's recently established garage after completing high school education, intends to follow his father's career path.

"Despite educational qualifications, many remain jobless or relocate elsewhere. I belong to the Vishwakarma community and have numerous aspirations. However, life in Jehanabad progresses very slowly," he remarked.

Jehanabad district comprises three assembly constituencies—Jehanabad, Ghosi, and Makhdumpur—all scheduled for voting on November 11.

The NDA has nominated Chadeshwar Prasad, a former Jehanabad MP, on a JD(U) ticket, while the INDIA alliance has fielded Rahul Kumar representing RJD. Prashant Kishore's Jan Suraaj party has also entered a candidate.

According to local residents, the contest for the Jehanabad seat primarily involves the NDA and the INDIA bloc. The development initiatives implemented by Nitish Kumar's government in recent years will likely influence voters across all three constituencies.

In Ghosi, CPI(ML)'s Rambali Singh Yadav faces JD(U)'s Rituraj Kumar.

Tarique Anwar (33), a Gaya native currently campaigning for Rambali Singh Yadav, believes that beyond traditional caste calculations, there exists a "fundamental desire among people to end the 20-year rule."

Conversely, JD(U) and BJP supporters in Jehanabad contend that people appreciate the development and welfare programs introduced by Nitish Kumar's administration and the Central government led by Narendra Modi.

Bihar's Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, launched in late September, has divided Jehanabad's female voters—a key constituency for Nitish Kumar. Some praise the initiative, while many others claim it represents a "political strategy to attract voters."

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated this scheme via video conferencing, describing it as a truly significant milestone for Bihar's women and daughters.

Noori, a domestic worker from Pali village in the Ghosi constituency, mentioned receiving "Rs 10,000 under the scheme." When asked about her plans for the funds, she replied, "I purchased a pair of goats; what else could I do with that amount?"

Elections for 121 seats of the 243-member Assembly were conducted on November 6. The remaining 122 constituencies will vote on November 11, with vote counting scheduled for November 14.

In Jehanabad town, infrastructure issues like waterlogging at an aging road underpass beneath the Patna-Gaya rail line concern residents, who want the next government to resolve this problem permanently.

"During every monsoon season, the rail underpass floods, and vehicles have nearly been submerged on multiple occasions," noted autorickshaw driver Kumar.

Jehanabad, previously part of Gaya district, was established as an independent district several decades ago. The region experienced caste-related violence during the 1990s.

Sanjay Singh, a Jehanabad town resident, reflected, "I recall that violent period. The situation has certainly improved. However, I believe no government should remain in power too long; alternating governments better serves democracy."