From borders to ballots: Bihar's voters focus on ground realities
Live Events
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
With India and Pakistan agreeing to end aggressive manoeuvres, political discourse in parts of Bihar has swiftly shifted to the upcoming state assembly elections. While Indo-Pak tensions still surface in casual conversations, most voters are focused on everyday concerns - employment, migration, corruption, law and order, healthcare, education, infrastructure - and, above all, the caste census Those who've lived through earlier conflicts between the neighbours say plainly, "Wars are never good. They are always bad." But many in the younger generation, keen on "action," don't entirely agree. Still, there's consensus across age groups that local issues demand more urgent attention.In Bihar's litchi and mango belts, theft from orchards is a growing concern. In Purnea district, one villager shared an unusual story: after cremating his father in their orchard last month, thefts mysteriously stopped. "Some say they've heard my father's voice near the orchard," Tanu says with a smile. Even so, villagers are aware they need more practical solutions.In Sitamarhi, which borders Nepal, the recent India-Pakistan tension sparked debates with an unexpected twist - caste. Some villagers focused on the caste of the armed forces' top brass and urged others to declare their caste openly during census. This push came just days after the Pahalgam terror attack. One local put it bluntly: "There is no identity sans caste."When asked whether Operation Sindoor would influence the elections, a Muzaffarpur villager shrugged: "All that is fine. But in Bihar, there's only one reality - jaat ki baat (caste talk). Everything else is secondary."On infrastructure, another Muzaffarpur resident observed, "Bihar is no longer a dust bowl, but there's no proper planning - in cities or villages. City infra is a total mess." He even compared Pakistani missiles to Bihar's crumbling bridges.Many also feel that health and education need a major push. "Jobs are there," said one youth, "but not enough to go around."While the election heat hasn't peaked yet, there's cautious optimism. "We just hope our problems are resolved as swiftly as Pakistan was taught a lesson," said a villager.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
PMO Shares Tharoor's Article Calling Modi 'Prime Asset' On X, Cong Leadership Likely To Irk
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) created a stir by sharing Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's article on X, in which he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "prime asset" for India. Tharoor commended Modi's energy, global outreach, and India's diplomatic success in defending Operation Sindoor as self-defence. His remarks have triggered unease within the Congress, with several party leaders criticizing his comments. The article also highlighted India's growing global influence and strategic diplomatic gains. Tharoor's admiration for Modi is expected to deepen his rift with the Congress leadership. #shashitharoor #narendramodi #pmo #congress #bjp #operationsindoor #primeasset #indianpolitics #politicalnews #modipraise #congressrift #indiandefence #globalaffairs #indiandiplomacy #toi #toibharat Read More
The Hindu
17 minutes ago
- The Hindu
More than 20 targets were identified under Operation Sindoor
Indian intelligence agencies and defence forces had identified more than 20 terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor, launched in May in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. India carried out missile strikes on nine of them later. According to top defence sources, after the list of more than 20 terrorist targets was drawn up, it was discussed in detail at a meeting of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with the chiefs of the Army, Air Force and the Navy. 'Markaz Taiba camp in Muridke and Markaz Subhanallah in Bahawalpur were on top of the list from day one of the discussion. At the meeting, it was instructed that the attack should be precise and elaborate,' as per a source. After the detailed discussion, all the options were tabled before Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Not just the planning of attack was discussed but also preparation for Pakistan's retaliation. 'Escalation was expected but it was ensured that only terror installations were targeted. There was no significant damage to the Indian military bases as forces were prepared for the retaliation in advance,' added the source. Operation Sindoor 2025 | Complete coverage from The Hindu Free hand to forces It was clear after the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister that out of the more than 20 targets, nine had been finalised. It was decided that there should be no harm to civilian population, no religious sentiment should be hurt, and no military installations should be targeted. This was made clear to the heads of intelligence agencies and defence forces at the Cabinet meeting. 'At the meeting, a free hand was given to the forces to take down any terror camp operating across the border at any location, while keeping in mind the factors discussed at the meeting,' added the top defence source.
The Hindu
17 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Operation Sindoor met all objectives, instilled fear in terrorists, says Rajnath
Under the leadership of President Droupadi Murmu, Indian soldiers carried out the historic Operation Sindoor, achieving all objectives and instilling fear in the minds of terrorists, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi on Monday (June 23, 2025). He released Wings to Our Hopes (Volume-II), a curated collection of 51 speeches of Ms. Murmu in Hindi and English along with the e-version. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Singh described Ms. Murmu as the best example of women-led development in India, adding that under the leadership of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Indian soldiers carried out the historic Operation Sindoor, achieving all objectives and instilling fear in the minds of terrorists. He commended her for constantly encouraging the armed forces personnel, while also working relentlessly for the empowerment of the deprived sections of society. 'Through her own life, President Murmu has set an inspiring example for everyone to have access to education and equal rights and opportunities. The ideals of courage, hard work, public service and spirituality are visible in her life and these can be read in her speeches as well,' he added. In his address, Mr. Singh described the compilation of the speeches – ranging from her address to the nation as well as at universities, on innovation, contribution of women in the development of the country, to equality and cultural heritage – as the essence of the government's vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. 'The book will become a guiding light to build Viksit Bharat with progressive thoughts while preserving our glorious heritage. President Droupadi Murmu knows the importance of diversity in our country and recognises the pain of the deprived. This book proclaims the spirit of equality,' he said. Mr. Singh added that the book is an amalgamation of the knowledge and ideas of Ms. Murmu on diverse fields – from civilisation to culture, religion to science, art to literature, education to health and past to future. He termed this inclusiveness as a reflection of the character of India, which can prove to be beneficial for future generations.
