By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: By-elections are underway for four seats in the Bihar Assembly, with vigorous campaigning across constituencies. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has mobilised his ministers for the election effort, with the JD(U) contesting the Belagnj Assembly seat. Bihar’s Information and Public Relations Minister, Maheshwar Hazari, who recently returned from campaigning, expressed confidence that the JD(U) will secure victory in Belagnj and that the NDA will win all four seats. Hazari further suggested that success in these by-elections would significantly influence the 2025 Assembly elections.
“Our presence in Belagnj will be solidified this time, and we will win by a wide margin. We are confident of winning all four seats under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Hazari stated.
In a conversation with reporters, Hazari highlighted that he had campaigned extensively, reaching out to villagers in Belagnj. He noted that residents were appreciative of the developments since 2005, citing improvements in roads, electricity, and water infrastructure brought about under Nitish Kumar’s administration. Hazari praised Nitish Kumar’s dedication to the people of Bihar, emphasising that the Chief Minister’s priorities are focused on the welfare of the state rather than personal gains. “People from all castes and religions support Nitish Kumar, and the impact of his developmental work is evident,” Hazari added.
When asked about any possible backlash from a particular community in response to Giriraj Singh’s Hindu Swabhiman Yatra, Hazari remarked that Giriraj Singh is acting in line with his party’s policy, and various parties are conducting similar yatras and programmes in Bihar. Hazari dismissed concerns that the Hindu Swabhiman Yatra would have any significant impact on voter sentiments.
As for the potential influence of these by-elections on next year’s assembly polls, Hazari was optimistic. He noted that while the NDA currently holds only the Imamganj seat, the Grand Alliance occupies the remaining three. “If we succeed in winning all four seats in these by-elections, it will undoubtedly impact next year’s elections,” Hazari stated confidently.
Additionally, Hazari addressed concerns about the JD(U)’s district-level committee, which was recently formed for campaign programmes. He acknowledged that some senior leaders, including himself, were initially left out of the committee but confirmed that a new circular would be issued to include those who were omitted.
