Jamui: Residents of Jamui in Bihar have launched an unusual protest against their Member of Parliament, Arun Bharti, by putting up “missing” posters across the constituency, accusing him of prolonged absence and neglect of local issues.
The posters, which began appearing in public places, describe Bharti as “missing” and call on authorities and the public to help locate the MP. Bharti, who represents Jamui in the Lok Sabha and is the brother-in-law of Union minister Chirag Paswan, has faced growing criticism from constituents who say he has rarely visited the area since being elected nearly two years ago.
Local residents claim that Bharti has visited Jamui only a handful of times since the 2024 general election. Even during last month’s assembly elections, they allege, he was present for barely an hour. “How will Jamui develop if its MP does not even acknowledge the constituency?” said Abhinay Dubey, the Jamui city secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), who was among those involved in putting up the posters.
Anger has also surfaced over what residents describe as unfulfilled promises made during the election campaign. Bharti had reportedly pledged to buy land and build a house in Jamui after the polls, a commitment locals say has not materialised. Some party workers have also expressed frustration, with protesters claiming that even members of Bharti’s own party have joined the search symbolically, carrying torches.
Critics argue that while other MPs from the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) are frequently seen in their constituencies, Jamui’s MP appears largely absent, fuelling perceptions that he remains focused on national politics rather than local concerns.
Protesters have warned that demonstrations will intensify if Bharti does not visit Jamui soon to engage with residents and address their grievances. Some have threatened to burn his effigy if the situation remains unchanged. There has been no immediate response from Arun Bharti or his office to the allegations.
