Yadavs, Muslims back Nitish-Lalu's Grand Alliance in Kosi

SUPAUL | SAHARSA | MADHEPURA: The BJP-led NDA is faced with a tough battle in the Kosi belt of Bihar as Pappu Yadav-led Jan Adhikar Party and the Samajwadi Party have failed to win any worthwhile voter support, making it virtually a straight battle with the Grand Alliance and giving an edge to the latter. ET travelled to various constituencies of Supaul, Saharsa and Madhepura that constitute the Kosi belt and found that the Yadav and Muslim voters are solidly backing the Grand Alliance of the JD(U), RJD and Congress. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar enjoys a good image even among BJP supporters.

Many people consider him as the best chief minister Bihar has ever had and say he should get another term to complete some of the work still in progress. The NDA had hoped that Pappu Yadav and Mulayam Singh Yadav’s SP will wean away some of the Yadav and Muslim votes. “After the Grand Alliance was formed, it became clear to the Yadavs and Muslims where they have to cast their vote,” a Congress supporter in the Pipra constituency of Supaul told ET.

There was some resentment among voters against Pappu Yadav, who won on a RJD ticket in the last Lok Sabha polls, for “betraying” RJD chief Lalu Prasad and floating his own party. “If he thinks he can win on his own, then he should resign and contest again from Madhepura,” said a local farmer. Other than the Yadavs and Muslims, the Grand Alliance has the backing of Koeri and some of the Extremely Backward Castes (EBC). In most constituencies of the Kosi belt, the Brahmins, Bhumihars, Vaish and backward castes like Mallahs are supporting the NDA. Mukesh Saini, a local leader who calls himself Son of Mallah, has used his influence.