Bihar Polls: Roads also matter to voters split along caste lines

AURANGABAD: The paddy fields look lush green as you drive into Aurangabad, 170km from Patna. But a closer look reveals the effect of insufficient rains in the district -an integral part of Bihar's rice bowl. Ahead of the second round of polls, marked by debates on the beef ban controversy and caste equations, Aurangabad -flanked by Jharkhand's Palamu district on one side and Bihar's Gaya, Arwal and Rohtas districts on the other -continues to cry out for irrigation.

Construction of the multi-crore North Koel irrigation project, which would irrigate 1.24 lakh ha, has been hanging fire since the 1970s. "For 40 years, we're waiting for this project," said Jitender Singh, a farmer in Deo."If we had water, there would be no need to migrate." The project's stalled over fears it'll submerge villages under the Palamu Tiger Reserve in neighbouring Jharkhand. With elections round the corner, Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar visited the Mandal dam site in Latehar August-end promising to make the project a reality.

But candidates are more focused on rural road connectivity. "This district could do with more schools, colleges and a healthcare network," said Raju Paswan, a college student.

The Aurangabad seat is witnessing a keen fight between NDA and the Grand Alliance. Half of the 20 candidates are Independents, disgruntled netas denied tickets by their parties.BJP chief Amit Shah and other Union ministers have often visited the constituency. "We're working overtime to convince voters of the need for change of guard for development," said Colonel Sanjay Singh, BJP's in-charge here.

Voters are divided on caste lines, with upper caste Rajputs dominant.However, Yadavs, Kushwahas, Koeris and Paswans with Muslims constitute a fair chunk. "The beef controversy hurt villagers' sentiments, but for urbanites the contest's between Modi and Nitish -be it on caste or development," said Nikhil Kushwaha, a state government employee.