Gayaji: Once considered an unshakable bastion of former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, Imamganj is witnessing a sharply divided electorate this election season. While some voters continue to back Manjhi’s party, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), others express disillusionment over unemployment, corruption, and lack of development.
Seventy-two-year-old Rajvallabh Sah, who lives near Gandhi Maidan in Imamganj, says, “Some things have changed, but many remain. Education and health conditions need to improve the most. Without payment, no work gets done here.” Despite his frustration, Rajvallabh supports the HAM’s “Kadhai Chhaap” symbol, saying there’s still a favourable atmosphere for the party.
However, not everyone shares that sentiment. Forty-five-year-old farmer Ramu Yadav from Kanargarh village says, “We used to vote for Manjhi, but now we won’t. The liquor and sand bans have only increased illegal trade. We have to pay a bribe of ₹4,000 for a cart of sand.” He adds that unemployment has worsened and vows to vote for the RJD’s “lantern” this time.
The Contest and Constituency Profile
Imamganj, a Scheduled Caste (SC) reserved constituency bordering Jharkhand’s Palamu district, has a significant 38.11% SC and 14.9% Muslim voter base. Jitan Ram Manjhi’s family has dominated this seat for over a decade. After he moved to national politics, his daughter-in-law, Deepa Manjhi, won the by-election last year by a margin of 5,945 votes.
This time, she faces RJD’s Ritu Priya Chaudhary and Jan Suraaj’s Dr. Ajit Kumar. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, RJD had led across all six Assembly segments under Aurangabad, including Imamganj—making this a tough contest for the Manjhi family.
Voices from the Ground
For 20-year-old peanut vendor Chhotu Kumar Yadav, road connectivity and jobs are the biggest concerns. “Road improvements are essential to stop migration,” he says, though he remains loyal to HAM.
In contrast, Sunaina Devi, a vegetable vendor from Jhara village, says she has lost faith in the current MLA. “The administration removes us from the roadside, leaving us without a place to sell. Deepa Manjhi hasn’t helped us,” she alleges.
Local shopkeeper Anwar Hussain, 50, adds, “Manjhi hasn’t done anything in 10 years. There’s no employment, and everyone’s children have left for cities. This time, there will be change.”
Expert View: Caste Over Issues
Local journalist Ajay Kumar, who has been covering Imamganj for 14 years, believes caste dynamics overshadow public issues. “Development, education, and roads are important, but in the end, caste decides votes here,” he says. Kumar also highlights the demand for Imamganj to be made a district and the lack of a railway line as long-standing grievances.
Candidates Respond
Deepa Manjhi says she has worked consistently for her constituency and credits the NDA government for empowering women. “Under the double-engine government, Bihar and the country are progressing. Women are now standing on their own feet,” she says, adding that her family’s support strengthens her campaign.
RJD candidate Ritu Priya Chaudhary’s husband, Siddharth Dangi, claims an atmosphere of change is sweeping Imamganj. “No development has taken place in 10 years. The public will defeat Deepa Manjhi this time,” he says confidently, dismissing Jan Suraaj as a non-factor.
Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj’s Dr. Ajit Kumar insists his party is gaining ground. “Migration is the biggest problem here. No government has done anything. We got 37,000 votes in the by-election; this time, we’ll win,” he asserts.
The Road Ahead
As polling day approaches, Imamganj remains a microcosm of Bihar’s larger political narrative—where caste identity, development promises, and anti-incumbency are in constant conflict. Whether the Manjhi family can retain its hold or the RJD and Jan Suraaj manage to turn the tide will be decided by the silent voter who still weighs promises against lived realities.
