Bettiah: Election time has arrived in Bihar, and the whole atmosphere is filled with excitement and noise. Candidates are busy meeting people, shouting slogans, and making promises. Posters and loudspeakers can be seen and heard everywhere. On the internet too, election messages and videos are being shared constantly. But behind this colourful scene, there are thousands of ordinary voters who are quietly thinking about which candidate or party will really work for them.
In many districts, people are facing problems because of the elections. Since the administration has taken several buses for election duties, there are fewer vehicles available for the public. As a result, people are forced to travel in crowded buses, packed tightly like sheep and goats. When a team from Dainik Jagran travelled in one such bus, they met many passengers who shared their opinions and problems. Most of them spoke about unemployment, corruption and poor candidate choices.
Many elderly and middle-aged passengers said they were satisfied with better roads, electricity, and free ration facilities provided by the government. But they were also unhappy with how parties are selecting their candidates. Some said the new candidates do not even know the area properly. Young people, on the other hand, said that even though there has been some development, lack of jobs continues to be a big issue. Sandeep Kumar from Nautan said, “Voting is important in a democracy, but there are no jobs in Bihar. Roads and electricity are fine, but people still have to go to other states to earn.”
Despite the pain of migration, many passengers said they would go home to vote. “We will cast our vote on the 11th and then return to work,” one traveller said. A student, Roshan Kumar from Chantpatia, added that the government is offering loans for employment. But Sandeep replied sharply, “Try getting one! Corruption in banks and offices makes it impossible. You’ll find out how hard it is to get help without paying bribes.” Their argument reflected the frustration many young Biharis feel today.
Some older passengers also shared their disappointment over “parachute candidates” – leaders brought from outside their constituencies. Eighty-five-year-old Ramanand Prasad said, “I have supported Congress for years, but this time, even our own leaders are spoiling things.” Another voter, Mohammad Shamshad from Narkatiaganj, said both Congress and RJD candidates in his area were outsiders who did not know the local people. Many passengers agreed that poor candidate choices had weakened their trust in political parties.
Seventy-year-old Ramchandra Sah summed up the feeling of many voters with his simple but strong words: “Everything is fine, Babua, but bribery made Deleba cry.” He said that while life has improved in some ways and people no longer live in fear, corruption remains a deep wound. “Without cash, no work moves. When that ends, only then real change will come,” he said, as others nodded in agreement.
As the election campaign continues, these voices from crowded buses and busy roads show the true mood of Bihar. People want jobs, honesty, and respect for their votes. They want leaders who not only talk about development but also end corruption and listen to the common man after the elections are over.
