Bihar Polls 2025: Voters demand solutions on jobs and infrastructure

As Bihar prepares for the 2025 Assembly elections, Madhubani is emerging as a pivotal constituency in the Mithila region. Known worldwide for its traditional Madhubani paintings, the seat is set to witness a high-stakes contest between the NDA and INDIA alliances.

Currently, the constituency is represented by RJD MLA Samir Kumar Mahaseth, who secured victories in both the 2015 and 2020 Assembly elections. However, issues such as unemployment, migration, poor healthcare, and lack of basic infrastructure have become major concerns for voters.

Voter concerns on unemployment and migration

According to a local resident, Vishnudev Yadav, "Unemployment is the biggest issue here. The government was supposed to address it but has failed to do so. A sugar mill was supposed to open here, but that hasn’t happened either."

Meanwhile, Praveen Jha added, "There has been significant migration of labourers over the past five years. The state of education is also very poor, and the healthcare system is deteriorating; for example, doctors don't show up at the hospitals.”

Another local resident, Roshan Jha, highlighted infrastructure issues, stating, "There has been significant development, but the local representative hasn't focused on issues like waterlogging, drinking water supply etc – they are completely neglected and left to fate. Even a small amount of rain turns the area into a lake."

Political claims on development works

Despite growing public concerns, leaders from both political camps continue to defend their development record. BJP leaders, part of the NDA alliance, claim that the development works in the region have been carried out with support from the Centre and the Nitish Kumar–led state government.

Prabhanshu Jha, District President of BJP Madhubani, said, "All the developmental works here have been carried out either by the Centre or the State government. You must have noticed the ongoing road widening work from Nidhi Chowk to the railway station. Whether it’s the renovation of the stadium, the establishment of a Kendriya Vidyalaya in the region, the opening of the college dedicated to Madhubani painting in Saurath, or the development of canals, all these projects have been undertaken by the Center and the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government."

Meanwhile, Congress leaders supporting the sitting RJD MLA argue that he has actively utilised his MLA funds to implement key developmental projects in the constituency.

Indramohan Jha, Senior Congress Leader, Madhubani, said, "The MLA of the Madhubani Legislative Assembly is a very composed person. When it comes to developmental works, there is hardly any Panchayat in the Madhubani constituency where he hasn’t contributed through his MLA fund. Be it the construction of roads, community halls, development of ghats, or building of public sheds, from what I have seen, at least one or two development projects have been carried out by him in almost every Panchayat."

Historical significance and upcoming polls

Established in 1951, the Madhubani Assembly constituency has witnessed 17 elections so far. As the constituency gears up for another crucial showdown, all eyes will be on whether voters opt for continuity or change.

Bihar will go to polls in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with counting scheduled for November 14.