10 months ago
Chhath Puja Concludes as Bihar Voters Weigh Development and Future Prospects
People in Bihar celebrated a big festival called Chhath Puja by praying to the sun near the river.
While they celebrated, many also talked about the leader, Nitish Kumar, and how his government has changed things.
Some people are happy because roads and help for women have improved, making life easier.
Others think that even though things are getting better slowly, there are still problems, like needing to go to other cities for good hospitals.
Young people are looking for new leaders and more job opportunities, as many have to leave Bihar for work and education.
The upcoming election is important, and voters are thinking about who can bring the most improvements and jobs to their state.
The festival brought people together, and so did the conversations about their hopes for the future.
Devotees concluded the four-day Chhath Puja festival with prayers to the rising sun on Monday evening and Tuesday morning at various ghats in Patna.
Citizens, particularly women, discussed the impact of Nitish Kumar's long tenure, crediting his government for infrastructure development and women-focused welfare schemes.
While some praised improvements in connectivity and economic aid through initiatives like JEEViKA, others highlighted ongoing issues such as the need for better healthcare and limited job prospects within Bihar.
Younger voters expressed interest in new political alternatives and emphasized the need for better educational institutions and job opportunities, leading to migration for studies and work.
The upcoming elections are a key topic, with voters weighing their support based on past performance, future promises, and concerns about the state's development trajectory.
- Who
- Devotees celebrating Chhath Puja, women voters, and citizens in Patna, Bihar, discussing political and developmental issues.
- What
- The conclusion of the four-day Chhath Puja festival alongside discussions and reflections on the performance of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government, upcoming elections, and future aspirations.
- Where
- Digha Ghat and Bankipur Ghat on the banks of the Ganga River in Patna, Bihar.
- When
- Monday evening and Tuesday morning, coinciding with the final rituals of Chhath Puja and in the lead-up to upcoming elections.
- Why
- To celebrate a major cultural and religious festival while simultaneously engaging in political discourse about governance, development, welfare schemes, and electoral choices.
Supporters of Nitish Kumar's Governance
Critics and those seeking alternatives
Development and Women's Welfare
Supporters of Nitish Kumar's Governance
Supporters credit Nitish Kumar's government for significant infrastructure development (roads, bridges) and women-centric schemes like JEEViKA and Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, which have improved connectivity and economic stability for many women.
Critics and those seeking alternatives
While acknowledging some improvements, critics point to persistent issues like the need to travel out of state for serious medical treatment and limited job prospects within Bihar, especially for educated youth, questioning the extent of progress.
Trust in Political Leaders and Promises
Supporters of Nitish Kumar's Governance
Some voters, particularly women, express distrust in opposition leaders like Tejashwi Yadav's promises, viewing Nitish Kumar as a leader who is steadily improving things, even if incrementally.
Critics and those seeking alternatives
Others, especially younger voters, are drawn to new voices and alternatives like Prashant Kishor, seeking fresh perspectives on jobs and education, and are less swayed by historical narratives or traditional political alignments.
Economic Opportunities and Migration
Supporters of Nitish Kumar's Governance
The government's focus on infrastructure is seen by some as a positive step towards future opportunities.
Critics and those seeking alternatives
Concerns are raised about limited job creation within the state, leading to migration for employment and education, with some voters feeling local MLAs have not prioritized employment generation.
Key facts
- Festival
- Chhath Puja
- Key Ritual
- Offering prayers (arghya) to the rising sun at riverbanks
- Location of Report
- Digha Ghat and Bankipur Ghat, Patna, Bihar
- Key Government Initiatives Mentioned
- JEEViKA, Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, Atal Path, JP Ganga Path
- Demographics
- Focus on women voters, who constitute a significant portion of the electorate in Digha and Bankipur, and are seen as loyal supporters of Nitish Kumar.
- Electoral Context
- Digha and Bankipur are NDA strongholds with BJP holding the seats; Mahagathbandhan has fielded women candidates from these seats.
Timeline
Factories in Ennore caused pollution and resource strain.
Delhi lacked enough sewage treatment capacity.
Then, treatment plants proved inadequate.
This caused pollution in the Yamuna River during Chhath Puja.
Faith, politics, and environment collided in the river.
Quotes
A 21-year-old student
A first-time voter studying engineering, who moved from Patna University to Delhi University.
“I enrolled in PU in 2022, but switched the next year. The teachers at PU are good, but the environment and resources lag behind. And the situation at PU is still better than at some other universities of Bihar, where a three-year graduation often stretches to five years.”
indianexpress.com
“In Delhi, there are far more opportunities, even for internships and vocational training.”
indianexpress.com
Meena Devi
A 65-year-old woman who regretted that people had forgotten Lalu Prasad's contributions and had not benefited from Nitish's welfare schemes.
“Today, people from every caste worship together. That’s possible only because of Lalu ji. He gave a voice to those from the lower castes.”
indianexpress.com
“Even to get the old-age pension, we have to run from one office to another.”
indianexpress.com
Shweta Singh
A 46-year-old woman discussing safety improvements and job prospects.
“When Nitish Ji says that earlier women wouldn’t step out after sunset, he is right. Once, I was robbed at gunpoint near Boring Road. But now, even children roam around safely late into the night.”
indianexpress.com
“Both my sons are studying engineering outside Bihar, one in Noida, another in Bengaluru. There are colleges here, but job prospects remain limited.”
indianexpress.com
Sarda Devi
A 35-year-old woman who has been coming to a ghat for Chhath for nearly two decades.
“It was under Nitish ji’s government that all these bridges and roads were built. Earlier, this entire area was just farmland, and to get here one had to take local trains.”
indianexpress.com
“Getting a bank loan used to be almost impossible for women. With JEEViKA, it’s much easier, and the interest rates are also lower.”
indianexpress.com
A woman in her late 50s
A woman who preferred not to be named, expressing mixed feelings about development.
“Nitish ji has built the roads and drainage systems, but when someone falls seriously ill in the family, we still have to travel outside the state.”
indianexpress.com
“Things are improving slowly. Earlier, we didn’t even have this much.”
indianexpress.com
Radha
A 29-year-old woman benefiting from the JEEViKA programme.
“Through JEEViKA, I got a job at Didi ki Rasoi (community kitchen). I earn Rs 8,000 a month, which brings us stability. Earlier, we relied on 10-15 days of uncertain daily wages. It was hard to even manage our child’s school fees.”
indianexpress.com
Putul Devi
A voter since 2008 who praised the Nitish government's women-focused welfare measures.
“Nitish ji has already provided so many facilities for women. Recently, I also received Rs 10,000 (under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana), which I invested in farming. It will help us earn more.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
On the sidelines of Chhath, women devotees still have Nitish on the horizon
Bihar Polls: Which Are The Key Constituencies, Candidates & Contests In The First Phase?
This Chhath, I Witnessed Faith, Politics, & Chemicals Collide in Delhi’s Yamuna
Delhi CM offers Arghya to rising sun during Chhath Puja at Hathi Ghat
On Chhath night, devotion and political discussion by the Yamuna
Hyderabad’s Water Bodies Glow With Chhath Festivity
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