One would think that a political greenhorn like Rohini would find the going tough against a heavyweight like BJP’s Rajiv Pratap Rudy, who is seeking a third consecutive term from the seat.But there’s probably more to it than meets the eye.
Saran comprises six assembly constituencies. While Marhaura, Garkha, Parsa and Sonepur are represented by RJD, Chhapra and Amonour have BJP legislators. Given that the balance of power within this Lok Sabha constituency is currently skewed against the saffron brigade, BJP knows this may not quite be the open-and-shut case that many perceive it to be, while RJD is clearly hoping for a David vs Goliath.
As the campaign cavalcade with Rohini stops in front of a house, a happy-looking Jeevachh Devi rushes out with a garland, even as the RJD candidate rolls down the window glass. While Rohini strikes up a conversation with Jeevachh Devi, Nilam Devi standing nearby, whispers to another lady: “Dekhaaa, ihe ladki apna baap ko kidney deke jan bachawal rahe (See, this is the girl who saved her father by donating one of her kidneys).”
Even as women standing outside try hard to catch a glimpse of the candidate, Rohini explains the importance of pressing the ‘lantern’ (RJD poll symbol) button on the EVM come May 20.
“If you want to break the backbone of rising inflation, crave for a happy and healthy life and want a ‘pucca’ (concrete) home, then vote for RJD,” Rohini, covering her head with a green scarf, tells the women before moving to the next door.
Rohini’s kidney story has found a fair bit of traction in rural pockets of Bihar. “She is a big hit in the villages. Everyone wants to see Lalu’s ‘laadli’ who set an example for society by donating her kidney to her father,” said Arvind Rai from Chirand village, adding: “Jahan bhi jati hai log kahten hain ki Lalu ki laadli aayee hain” (Wherever she goes, she is referred to as ‘Lalu’s darling’).
“If I can donate a kidney for my father, I won’t hesitate to sacrifice my life for the people of my constituency,” Rohini says while addressing a public meeting in this seat where of 18 lakh voters, 8.5 lakh are women.
The emotional connect of the kidney story notwithstanding, Rohini’s battle-hardened rival Rudy remains unfazed. “As a pilot, I know when to take off and where to land,” Rudy tells the media, obliquely referring to Rohini’s lack of experience in electoral politics.
While Rudy’s campaign pitch in Saran is being powered by such stalwarts as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Rajnath Singh, Rohini has been left with doing a lot of the heavy lifting by herself, with no top RJD neta seen anywhere near her campaign trail.
Failing health has forced her father to stay away from the heat and dust of late, while her younger brother and the party’s lone star campaigner Tejashwi Yadav is battling a severe back pain. Elder sister Misa Bharti could have added some heft to Rohini’s campaign, but she herself is tied up with campaigning as the candidate from Patliputra.
So far, Lalu was seen campaigning for Rohini only twice —introducing her to the voters of Saran and on the day she filed her nomination papers.
Apart from the political legacy that she has inherited by virtue of being a member of a family that has produced two chief ministers, Rohini is also banking on the significant presence of Yadavs, OBCs and Muslim voters in Saran. She would also be hoping for a split in the Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) votes following Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s volte face and return back to the NDA fold.
Rudy, on the other hand, has a lot to going for him — right from the PM turning out for him to his own popularity as a two-time MP from Saran. There’s also a considerable Rajput, upper caste and EBC presence in the constituency that could work for him.
“Rudy ji ka palda bhari hai (Rudy has the upper hand),” says Abhishek Kumar Singh, a resident of Aami village under Dighwara assembly constituency. “Whatever you find here — roads, power, education — are gifts from Rudy. Also, he is educated, the country is progressing under PM Modi, and the (Ram) temple has been built,” says Anand Kumar Sigh, one of the villagers.
If that gives you the impression that Rudy is headed for a cakewalk, then sample this: “Some 40 lakh people in this constituency are directly or indirectly linked to sandmining, but the state authorities have cracked down on them and rocked their boat big time. BJP will have to face its consequences,” says Pran Yadav. The youth added: “Na job mila, na business (I neither have a job nor own a business).”
“Unemployment is a major issue among the youth. Sadly though, the poor get influenced by just 5kg of free ration,” rued Dhananjay Prasad, a student.