Political heat rises in Bihar’s Shahabad region ahead of 2025 assembly polls

As Bihar heads towards the 2025 Assembly elections, the Shahabad region — comprising the districts of Kaimur, Rohtas, Buxar, and Bhojpur — has emerged as a key political battleground. With 22 assembly seats up for grabs, both the ruling NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan are intensifying their campaigns to gain a stronghold in the area.

Kaimur: Farmers battle waterlogging

In Kaimur, which has four assembly constituencies, recurring issues such as irrigation challenges and traffic congestion dominate public discourse. Despite being a major rice-producing area, large tracts of farmland remain uncultivable due to persistent waterlogging.

Farmer Maniji Singh shares:

“At least in that large plot of land — about 500 acres — if you see the waterlogged area, there has been no paddy planting, or it has been damaged. Wheat definitely cannot grow there because there are so many pits. We've been facing this issue for at least 10 to 20 years.”

Local resident Sandeep Kesari highlights traffic woes:

“There’s a traffic jam here. There is a bypass, but it should be made one-way. The issue is that the public is unaware — if they were aware, we wouldn’t face so many problems. For example, during Durga Puja, there was chaos. This is my request: please ensure this message reaches everyone, including senior officials and leaders.”

Buxar: Discontent over unfulfilled promises

In Buxar, also with four constituencies, public opinion appears divided. While some express frustration over unfulfilled promises of land compensation and jobs, others appreciate the government’s efforts.

Resident Dharmendra Tiwari states:

“Land was taken from us for a power plant. We were promised jobs and compensation, but we got neither — and we were even beaten. When the time comes, we’ll give the government a fitting reply.”

Rajesh Kumar adds:

“There is no development, and existing schemes have been shut down. They couldn’t even build proper roads, let alone support the farmers.”

However, some voters highlight progress.

“If we talk about the Buxar Assembly constituency, development and employment have improved. A power plant was set up, funds were allocated for light and sound shows, ghats were developed, and a nursing college was connected with four-lane roads. We will vote for the NDA to ensure continued development through a double-engine government.”

Bhojpur: Infrastructure and cleanliness remain key concerns

In Bhojpur, which has seven constituencies, residents voice concerns over traffic, poor infrastructure, and public sanitation.

Rakesh Kumar observes:

“Just look at Arrah — traffic jams are horrible, roads are in bad shape, and garbage is everywhere. The municipal corporation is failing.”

Vivek Raj echoes this sentiment:

“Bhojpur’s Arrah is a glaring example of neglect. We need good roads, proper drainage, mosquito control, and quality schools. Despite being in power for years, not even one government school has opened. Within the corporation limits, you won’t find a single proper footpath.”

Still, others believe change is underway.

Brajesh Kumar Singh says:

“Development is visible. This very field — Babu Veer Kunwar Singh Ground — was once full of dust. Today, people walk here freely even at 10 p.m.”

Rohtas: Improved safety, but youth demand jobs

In Rohtas, also with seven constituencies, residents cite better law and order but also a need for youth employment.

Niranjan shares:

“Earlier, theft and robbery were rampant. Now, women can walk safely. Roads have improved. Loans are available for women to start businesses.”

Nishikant, however, points out:

“This time, the government must focus on reducing unemployment, eliminating social unrest, and motivating the youth.”

Political voices: Blame and defence

RJD MP Sudhakar Singh (Buxar) criticises the government:

“Veer Kunwar Singh University exists only on paper. A permanent campus is yet to be built. There is still no medical college offering quality healthcare, forcing us to rely on BHU and AIIMS.”

In contrast, BJP leaders in Kaimur highlight development in roads, electricity, education, healthcare, and tourism.

Om Prakash, BJP district president, says:

“In the last five years, roads and electricity have improved, good teachers have been appointed, and hospitals have proper medicines. We’ve introduced house boating at the Dam and proposed a ropeway to Mundeshwari. We hope it’s approved soon.”

Election schedule

Elections for Bihar’s 243-member Legislative Assembly will be held in two phases — November 6 and November 11. Results will be announced on November 14.