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Migrant labor

The Battle for Bihar's Future: NDA and INDIA Bloc Vie for Migrant Vote in NCR

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

With an estimated 2 lakh Bihari migrant workers living and working in Gurgaon and Faridabad, especially around the large industrial clusters in the two cities neighboring Delhi, the battle for Bihar's future is being fought not just in the state's bylanes, but in rented rooms, factory floors, and markets in NCR. Both BJP and Congress are making a concerted outreach to the constituency, whose influence travels hundreds of kilometres east as Bihar heads for assembly elections next month. The migrant community's grievances - lack of jobs in their home state, infrastructure, and the pain of separation from families - are hot-button political issues. Parties are aware that these personal stories are not just emotive appeals, but also a reflection of the state's development challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • BJP has deployed a battery of senior functionaries from Haryana to woo migrant workers in NCR, including Union minister Krishan Pal Gurjar and state ministers Krishna Kumar Bedi and Rao Narbir Singh.
  • Congress is adopting a more personal, grassroots approach, with local workers - many with roots in Bihar - visiting houses of migrant voters, giving a hearing to their concerns, and explaining the INDIA bloc's vision for Bihar.
  • The INDIA bloc's narrative centers on anti-incumbency, highlighting NDA govt's "failures" to deliver on development, tackle unemployment, and create industrial opportunities in Bihar.
  • BJP is following a two-pronged strategy, reminding migrant workers of "jungle raj" days under previous governments in Bihar and highlighting development work under BJP rule at the Centre and in Haryana.
  • Migrant workers are key to the outcome of the Bihar assembly elections, with an estimated 2 lakh Bihari migrant workers living and working in Gurgaon and Faridabad.
  • Neerja Gupta, a vegetable seller from Saharsa district, and Madhav Singh, a worker from Manesar, are two migrant workers who shared their personal stories with TOI, highlighting the pain of migration and the need for development in Bihar.

Statistics:

  • 2 lakh: Estimated number of Bihari migrant workers living and working in Gurgaon and Faridabad.
  • 1 lakh: Number of registered Bihari voters in Haryana whom BJP workers have reached out to.
  • Multiple individuals: Number of migrant workers who will cast their votes in Bihar, with many indicating their support for the INDIA bloc.
  • Thousands: Number of migrant workers expected to return to Bihar for the assembly elections, including some who are being offered logistical support by BJP.

Sources:

  • Badauli, Mohan Lal. "Haryana BJP president."
  • Dabar, Pankaj. "Congress's district president in Gurgaon."
  • Singh, Vinay Kumar. "A driver in Faridabad."
  • Mishra, Pankaj. "A software professional in Gurgaon."
  • Kumar Jha, Sanjay. "A security guard at a shopping complex."
  • Gupta, Asutosh. "Congress media incharge for Ghaziabad."
  • Divya Gautam. "CPIML candidate from Digha assembly constituency in Bihar."
  • Ashish Kumar. "MA geography student at Delhi University."
  • Vikram Singh. "A BA (Hons) Hindi student at Delhi University."
  • Jaideep Deogharia. "Reporter in Noida."
  • Sugandha Jha. "Reporter in Delhi."

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