As assembly elections approach, Nitish Kumar and BJP set to woo Bihari diaspora

PATNA: With the assembly elections set to coincide with the festive season, when many migrants return to celebrate Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath, the Bihari diaspora is being seen as a crucial "swing" factor in the poll outcome. No wonder, chief minister Nitish Kumar is launching 'Bihar Samman Sammelan' in various cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, to connect with Bihari migrants. Bidding to outsmart Kumar, the BJP too is embarking on a similar exercise: draw support from people who'll return to vote during the puja holidays.

A migrant Bihari, Prashant Kishor, is at the helm the war room at Kumar's 7, Circular Road, residence. The JD(U) seems confident of enthusing the diaspora that found happiness in the revival of Bihari 'asmita' (pride) in Kumar's decade-old reign. JD(U) spokesman Ajay Alok recently told TOI that the CM would be participating in the Bihar Samman Sammelan across major cities.

In a riposte to Kumar's bid, BJP chief Amit Shah told TOI from Delhi, "Beginning August 22, we will hold rallies in Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Mumbai."

BJP MP Chandrakant Raghunath Patil, from Navsari, drafted by Shah in the Bihar campaign, told TOI over phone from New Delhi, "We are in 'sampark' with Biharis in Gujarat and Mumbai." He added that Nitish's bid to woo the diaspora would not cut any ice.

"Biharis had to flee due to Lalu and Nitish," Patil alleged, adding "logon me rosh hai (people are in anger)." He cited success stories of Bihari migrants in Gujarat. "In Surat alone, over 3 lakh Biharis have found home, work and success," he further said, adding that Bihari migrants own over 50 big mills in the Surat region.

Stating that Biharis are involved in the diamond industry, textiles, manufacturing and trade in Gujarat, Patil said: "Bihar ke vikas ke liye sabhi log lagey huey hain kaam me."

"If 'parivartan' happens, the atmosphere will change ... The diaspora entrepreneurs will be encouraged to invest ... to sow back success in their home state they were compelled to flee," he claimed.