The Bihar elections are just around the corner, and a fascinating political dynamic is unfolding hundreds of miles away in Bengaluru. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress are actively engaging with the substantial Bihari migrant and student populations in the city, recognizing their crucial role in the upcoming polls.
While the BJP, alongside political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj party, initiated their outreach months ago with welfare programs and community events, the Congress party in Bengaluru has recently intensified its own mobilization efforts.
Bihar’s two-phase election will take place on November 6 and 11, with results announced on November 14. Initially, BJP’s campaigns primarily targeted migrant workers. However, Congress leaders have broadened their scope to include Bihari students and professionals living in Bengaluru.
The BJP’s Vividha Bhashika Prakoshta (VBP), a cell dedicated to non-Kannada speaking residents, began its Bihar election preparations back in March during the Bihar Diwas celebrations. Party workers have reportedly engaged with over 10,000 migrants in recent months, even helping to organize venues for the significant Chhath Puja festival.
In contrast, Congress workers only started their targeted outreach this month. They are actively mobilizing Bihari migrants in key Bengaluru areas like Byatarayanapura, Whitefield, and Doddaballapur. Their initiatives include voter ID awareness drives and assistance with postal ballot access. Furthermore, party leaders have announced plans to arrange special buses to transport migrant workers back home for voting and will engage with employers to secure paid leave during the election period.
“Our volunteers are distributing Hindi pamphlets highlighting Congress’s labor welfare schemes and collaborating with local trade unions to address critical issues such as delayed wages, inadequate housing, and limited healthcare access,” shared Mahesh Kumar, a Congress party worker.
Additionally, the party’s student and youth wings are connecting with Bihari students through various channels, including coaching centers, PG hostels, and college campuses. Social media campaigns are also underway, focusing on pressing issues like unemployment and examination reforms, as elaborated by Mr. Kumar.