The bypoll in Laukaha threw a big challenge for politicians of all parties. The question was not about winning majority but finding an accommodation in the small block located in Madhubani district. Almost all party leaders complained about the virtually “non-existent” rest houses in the constituency. Leaders of all parties went to Laukaha to campaign for their official candidates. The block did not have anything more than few shabby hotels in the name of accommodation and even those had been booked already. We could not even find space at the house of local workers as that too had been taken. We were forced to leave for Madhubani or Darbhanga or even return to Patna after campaigning,” complained a JD(U) office bearer. Bypolls in remote areas and smaller towns always lead to such accommodation problem. “Well if the infrastructure is non-existent in towns like Laukaha, then who is to blame?” asked an official insisting that the politician should at least get a feel of life in underdeveloped areas. The transfer of superintendent of police Shivdeep Lande from Patna has spelt relief for those under the constant glare of the officer. An auto driver happily adjusted three passengers in his small driver's seat. “There is nothing to worry about. Lande is no longer in Patna. I can get another seat installed in my vehicle now,” said the auto driver, recalling that he and other drivers operated cautiously when Lande was the traffic SP, as there always was a chance of them being caught for overloading. “Some other people would also be happy about his departure, particularly those who have been selling fake goods in Patna,” said a passenger. The former city SP had conducted 45 raids during his 11-month tenure. The Congress leaders are never tired of claiming that it is the Centre and not the Nitish Kumar government which should be given the credit for the state’s development. Their argument is that the central government has provided the funds for improving the infrastructure in the state. However, officials of central agencies working in Bihar point out that the state ministers maintain a regular dialogue with them and seek information about development in various projects. “It is on the basis of our feedback that the ministers make public announcements. But I have been posted here for more than one year and not a single Congress leader has ever asked me if there have been any lapses or delays in the projects,” said an official of a central agency. At the LJP’s 12th foundation day celebrations in Gandhi Maidan, the party supporters were fretting over a long list of faceless leaders addressing the public meeting. A few of them were more interested in watching the snake charmers who had turned up at the show. However, the frustration was writ large on the faces of mediapersons covering the event. As obscure politicians addressed the rally, the journalists put down their writing pads and pen, waiting for the speech of the only known face in the party, Ram Vilas Paswan. This angered the supporters of the faceless leaders. “Why don't you write about what our netaji is saying?” asked a supporter of an LJP leader from West Champaran. The journalist snubbed the supporter stressing that nobody recognised his netaji.
Monday, 09 February 2026
