Bihar Elections: Will unemployment and basic civic woes decide Jehanabad’s vote?

Jehanabad: In Jehanabad, a town brimming with young and educated residents, joblessness dominates political conversations ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Vikas Kumar, a 25-year-old science graduate, spends his days driving an autorickshaw to support his family. His dream of a government job has faded, replaced by a loan and a struggle to make ends meet. “We have heard tall promises of jobs and development in every election. This time we want results, not rhetoric,” says Vikas as he waits for passengers near the bus stand. Around him, other autorickshaw drivers nod in agreement, echoing a common sentiment among the educated unemployed. For many in Jehanabad, the search for stable employment is the central issue of this election. Despite government welfare programmes, locals say job opportunities have not kept pace with expectations, forcing thousands to migrate to other states for work. Development versus discontent Jehanabad district, carved out of Gaya decades ago, comprises three assembly constituencies, Jehanabad, Ghosi and Makhdumpur, all voting on November 11. While Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s development push has brought roads, schools and welfare schemes to the area, residents remain divided on whether progress has met their everyday needs. Bihar Election 2025 Phase 2: Who will dominate the Seemanchal battleground? For the Jehanabad seat, the NDA has fielded Char Prasad of JD(U), while the INDIA bloc has nominated Rahul Kumar of RJD. The Jan Suraaj Party led by Prashant Kishor has also entered the fray, though locals largely see the fight as a direct contest between the NDA and INDIA alliance. In Ghosi, CPI(ML) leader Rambali Singh Yadav is contesting against JD(U)’s Rituraj Kumar. Some campaigners from outside the district sense a mood for change after nearly two decades of Nitish Kumar’s leadership, though many loyalists argue that the continuity of governance has ensured peace and growth in the once violence-prone region. Women voters divided over new scheme Nitish Kumar’s newly launched Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana has sparked both praise and scepticism among women voters. The scheme, introduced in late September, provides a one-time financial aid of Rs 10,000 to eligible women. Noori, a domestic worker from Pali village, says she received the amount and used it to buy goats. “It helps for now, but real empowerment will come when we have regular income,” she says. Many women view the initiative as a temporary relief, while critics allege it is aimed more at winning votes than creating lasting opportunities. Bihar Election 2025 Phase 2 Begins: Will Nitish Kumar’s ministers retain their seats? Civic concerns persist Beyond unemployment, civic problems remain a sore point for Jehanabad residents. The chronic waterlogging near the underpass beneath the Patna–Gaya rail line is a recurring complaint. During monsoons, the area often floods, disrupting traffic and damaging vehicles. Residents like Sanjay Singh recall that Jehanabad once suffered from caste-linked violence in the 1990s, but now seek more attention on infrastructure and services. “Peace has returned, but we need better governance. No government should stay forever; change brings accountability,” he says. As Jehanabad votes, the outcome may hinge on whether voters prioritise continuity or change, development promises or everyday realities.