Doranda, (Siwan) Oct. 11: Both JD(U) and RJD have stepped up their last-minute campaign for the October 13 bypoll to the Doranda Assembly seat.
Even the CPI(ML), for the first time in 15 years, has gone on an overdrive, campaigning in all the villages in the constituency.
But going by the mood of the residents of the region, it seems that Nitish Kumar’s popularity is enough for the JD(U) candidate to edge pass the rivals. Many people said they were not too bothered as to who the candidates are, What they want “is to be a part of the development initiated by the chief minister”.
“Good governance and improved law and order situation are the two things that the people of Doranda want. The people do not want to be left out in the process of development started by Nitishji,” a resident of Chitauli village said. “This mood among the people gives JD(U) candidate Kavita Singh an edge over the rest,” he said.
Gopal Mahto of Chitauli village said: “Nitish appears to have good intentions. He is doing a good job. We will vote for his candidate.”
Businessman Shambhu Gupta said the state has come out of its worst phase because of Nitish. “Without any feelings for a particular caste, I will vote for the government that has shown a work culture. This government is more committed to addressing peoples’ problems than the previous governments,” he said.
A number of leader from various parties have campaigned in Doranda over the pst few days. So far, 147 state and national leaders of the NDA have campaigned here. Nitish has also campaigned here, but just for one day, on October 10. However, a bunch of ministers and leaders have visited Doranda frequently.
On the other hand, RJD chief Lalu Prasad visited 50 villages within three days and organised rallies till late night. A case was also registered against him for violating the model code of conduct. He was arrested and was released on bail on a bond of Rs 10,000.
Lalu presented himself as the champion for the causes of the minority and lambasted Nitish almost on all fronts. Former MP Prabhunath Singh who joined the vandwagon of Lalu has been trying hard to woo the people. At various speeches at the rallies, he told the people that Nitish should be taught a lesson.
Prabhunath has made an appeal to the people of his caste, Rajputs who dominate the constituency, to either vote for his candidate Parmeshwar Singh, or provide him a kafan (a sheet to cover his dead body).
Doranda Assembly constituency is dominated by Rajputs followed by the Yadavs and the Muslims. Brahmins, Bhumihars and other backward classes also have also a sizeable presence in the region.
While all the Muslim leaders of NDA have are campaigning in the Muslim dominated villages to blunt the impact of former RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin, RJD leaders and workers are trying to cajole the Muslim voters by saying “Saheb (Shahabuddin) has sent message to vote for Parmeshwar Singh.”
Muhammad Hadish of Rajanpura village said he would vote for Lalu’s candidate as Nitish has betrayed the minorities. On the other hand, Mohammad Ali of Bhikhpur village said: “RJD ruled for years by instilling the fear of BJP among minorities. But Nitish partnering BJP during the past six years has won the confidence of minorities.”
Nine candidates are in the fray in the bypoll.
