By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Today, candidates from both the Mahagathbandhan and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) arrived at DRDA Bhawan to file their nominations for the two upcoming assembly by-elections in Gaya district. Deepa Manjhi, the NDA candidate for the Imamganj constituency, was accompanied by her father-in-law, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, as she submitted her nomination papers. Meanwhile, Vishwanath Yadav, the RJD candidate from the Belaganj constituency, also filed his nomination.
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, speaking at the event, remarked that while Deepa Manjhi is his daughter-in-law, she is first and foremost a dedicated and hardworking candidate. He noted her prior experience as a member of the Zila Parishad, where she narrowly lost the election for Zila Parishad President by just two votes. He also praised her commitment to social work, stating that she has been involved in social service since her youth. “She is our daughter-in-law later, but first she is a worker,” he added.
Jitan Ram Manjhi expressed confidence in Deepa Manjhi’s candidacy, asserting that there was no significant electoral challenge in the Imamganj by-election. He credited his tenure as MLA for bringing peace to the area, which, prior to 2015, was often marred by bomb blasts and false legal cases. “People can now sleep peacefully,” he said, reflecting on the improvements in the region, adding that many development projects have already been completed, and the remaining public issues would be addressed.
Deepa Manjhi, the NDA candidate from Imamganj, echoed her father-in-law’s sentiments, stating that she is receiving support from all quarters. She pledged to continue the work started by Jitan Ram Manjhi and focus on resolving the remaining issues in the area. She also emphasised her commitment to development, particularly in creating small-scale employment opportunities for women’s empowerment.
