India General Elections 2024: Cong challenges BJP in Patna Sahib amid economic crisis, drug menace

Congress national spokesperson Dr Anshul Avijit during his campaign. Pics/Diwakar Sharma

Congress national spokesperson Dr Anshul Avijit is running against BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad in the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar. The state has long struggled with brain drain, crumbling infrastructure, and a rising drug abuse problem, with mafias exploiting youths and being aided by corrupt officials. Dr Avijit, a Cambridge graduate, attributes these issues to ‘extreme economic distress' neglected by both central and state governments.

Despite Patna Sahib being seen as a BJP stronghold, Dr Avijit is confident of his chances, stating that the BJP's dominance is an illusion. He points out the resentment towards the current BJP MP, who faces protests. "The BJP has just created an illusion out of arrogance…it's not their territory", said the Congress candidate.

Dr Avijit, grandson of freedom fighter Babu Jagjeevan Ram, addresses key issues like unemployment, poor economic policies, the drug crisis, and decaying infrastructure.

Excerpts from an interview

This Lok Sabha seat is considered a BJP stronghold and its candidate Ravi Shankar Prasad is a seasoned politician. Don't you think your candidature is going to make it easy for the sitting MP to win this seat again?
I am not a new face; I come from a political family. My grandfather, Babu Jagjeevan Ram, and my mother, Meira Kumar, have deep political roots. My grandmother was Bihar's first woman cabinet minister. I've been active in elections since 1986 and have been the Congress party's national spokesperson for the past four-five years. The idea that Patna Sahib is a BJP stronghold is a myth. It's the people who decide, not the party. The response from the public has been positive, and there's strong resentment against the current MP, Ravi Shankar Prasad, who hasn't engaged with the constituency. People have even put up posters asking, 'WHERE IS OUR MP?' and he is often met with black flags.

Comment on nepotism in politics, which remains a contentious issue.
I am the finest example of nepotism in Indian politics. I gather strength from my family. So, for me, it is not a weakness.

Are you banking heavily on the popularity of your grandparents and mother Meira Kumar?
Any individual is a composite of many factors. A personality is made of many things. My strength cannot be taken away from me. This is my background. I have my own personality and have made significant achievements in life. My academic qualifications and work experiences speak a lot about me.

The youth are worried about their future. Unemployment and inflation are core national issues. How would you address this if you win?
The government's macroeconomic failures are evident, and young people are suffering the most. Unemployment, inflation, and lack of investment are major issues. Our Congress party guarantees 'pahli naukri pakki,' ensuring educated youth get jobs. We've done this in Karnataka and Telangana, and we will do it here too.

Job guarantee is our top priority. The current government's policies, like demonetisation, GST, and pandemic mismanagement, have led to economic disaster. They favour capitalists, causing unemployment to rise. There are 30 lakh government vacancies; why aren't they filled? I aim to create an IT hub in Patna Sahib to prevent brain drain from Bihar. People from Bihar contribute globally; an IT hub will create local job opportunities.Bihar's primary schools and health infrastructure are in poor condition. Families can't afford private education and medical costs. The system and 'double engine sarkar' have collapsed, leading to Patna's mismanagement and deterioration.

The drug mafias have entrenched themselves deeply in Bihar, and the youth are profoundly affected. But no political party is talking about this issue today. How would you eradicate this issue of drug menace if you become an MP?
The city is in crisis due to extreme economic distress, with issues in electricity, water, infrastructure, health, and education. The current government lacks a vision to secure the future for the youth. Immediate focus is needed on health, education, and infrastructure to make the city liveable. If given the chance, the youth can improve conditions here. Patna, once beautiful, has deteriorated due to mismanagement.

Floods, drainage issues, and crumbling streets need urgent attention. My grandfather's house in Patna, a historic site, from where the ‘Quit India movement' was launched, was submerged in 10 feet of water due to poor planning.

If elected, I will address these issues to make Patna a better place for everyone.

June 4
Day of results