This story is from May 14, 2019

Triangular contest on cards in Jehanabad

Triangular contest on cards in Jehanabad
Picture used for representational purpose only
PATNA: Once touted as a battlefield of caste war between members of Ranvir Sena, a private army of upper caste landowners, and those of Maoist outfits, Jehanabad is poised to witness a triangular contest this time.
The sitting MP, Arun Kumar, is contesting as an independent after snapping his ties with Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) on whose symbol he had won the 2014 general election.
Kumar is pitted against former MP and RJD MLA Surendra Yadav and JD(U)’s Chandeshwar Prasad Chandravanshi.
Laxmanpur Bathe, Senari and Shankarbigha are among the major incidents of caste killings during 90s which brought Jehanabad on the national arena, albeit for wrong reasons. The attack on Jehanabad divisional jail to get the incarcerated Maoists freed in November 2005 hogged the limelight and exposed state government’s helplessness to deal with ultra-left extremists, who then enjoyed the blessing of a particular group of people having political background.
But things have completely changed now in Jehanabad, around 60km south of Patna. “Nobody talks about the past, which is replete with trauma, horror and suffering. Everybody wants peace and development,” says Surendra Prasad Sinha, a practicing lawyer of the Jehanabad district civil court.
Dominated by Yadavs and Bhumihars, who are in sizable number, Jehanabad seat is important both for the NDA and the Grand Alliance. Arun Kumar, a Bhumihar by caste, had defeated RJD’s Surendra Yadav by a margin of over 42,000 votes in the 2014 general election. Undeterred by denial of ticket, Arun is in the fray as an independent.
RJD’s Surendra Yadav, a ‘bahubali’ and five-time MLA from Belaganj in neighbouring Gaya district, is known for his clout in the region. Though in 1998 he had won the
Lok Sabha election from the seat, he lost to Arun Kumar and Jagdish Sharma, both of JD(U), in 1999 and 2009, respectively. In 2004, RJD’s Ganesh Prasad Singh had emerged triumphant.
What has come as a major embarrassment for Surendra Yadav is that Lalu’s eldest son Tej Pratap has fielded Chandra Prakash as a nominee of Lalu-Rabri Morcha (read independent). Tej Pratap, at an election meeting in favour of Chandra Prakash, also described the RJD candidate Surendra as ‘tilkut chor’. Earlier, Tej Pratap had described the RJD candidate as an agent of the RSS.
“I fail to fathom as to why the party has given ticket to Surendra Yadav again when he had unsuccessfully contested thrice. He doesn’t have a clean image. On the contrary, people’s perception about Chandra Prakash is good. He owns a BEd college in the town and has been involved in social and educational activities. So I have reservations about Surendra Yadav despite being a staunch supporter of Laluji,” says Ranjan Yadav, a resident of Makhdumpur assembly segment of Jehanabad Lok Sabha constituency. Another resident, Munilal Yadav, also echoed similar views.
Jehanabad comprises Arwal, Jehanabad, Kurtha, Ghosi, Atri and Makhdumpur assembly segments. Of them, four seats are held by RJD and two by JD(U).
Yadavs constitute around 3.5 lakh, Muslims 1.5 lakh and Bhumihars over 2 lakh population in the constituency. In addition, extremely backward castes have sizable population in the constituency. “Everybody is trying to woo the electorate belonging to extremely backward classes (EBCs), who will play a decisive role in the victory of the candidate. So be it RJD or the JD(U) or any independent, all are eyeing EBC votes,” says Ramadhar Yadav, a resident of Kurtha Bazar.
Majority of the people admitted that roads have been built in remote areas and electricity was available for more than 22 hours a day. Transportation facility has increased and the health services have also remarkably improved. Maoist activities were on the wane and people moved even during night without any fear. “But caste factor is also there,” admits Sanjay Singh, a resident of Sakurabad.
Chandravanshi said, “Hamare saath dono hain — Modiji at the Centre and Nitishji in state. So we are seeking votes both on national issues as well as development works.”
RJD nominee Surendra Yadav is mainly relying on MY combine. “Since HAM(S) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi and RLSP supremo Upendra Kushwaha are part of GA, Mahadalits and Kushwahas will vote for the GA candidate,” he argues.
But it all depends on how Arun Kumar or Chandra Prakash perform in the election. Jehanabad goes to polls in the seventh and last phase on May 19.
End of Article
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