Biharis leave Hyderabad for polls

They may have come to Hyderabad to eke out a living, but back home in Bihar they are now the most sought after as the five-phase election to the Legislative Assembly is underway.

Bihari migrants numbering close to 80,000 in the twin-cities, who work in medium and small scale industries in Patancheru, Balanagar, Uppal, Cherlapally, Nacharam at restaurants, malls and as security guards in apartments, are being wooed by political parties

Hundreds of Biharis have already left the city to cast their vote. With three more phases remaining with polling dates on October 28, November 1 and November 5, scores of Biharis are planning to make a trip back home.

Chiradeep, an employee at an Irani restaurant in Lakdi-ka-pul from Lalganj said, “My cousin Baanke from Wazirganj left two weeks ago as he had to cast a vote in Phase II. I am leaving on October 20 to cast my vote for polls on October 28.”

When asked if the company or any political party is paying for the trip? He said, “I know of political parties taking care of the expenses in other states as my friends in Maharashtra and Gujarat are getting an all paid trip.”

Biharis in the twin cities though, do not seem to get any financial help from political parties. However, that is not deterring them from going to their home state. Inderpal, a security guard at a mall in Panjagutta said,

“The final phase of polls is on November 5 and I am going to Chhatapur and would return only after the Chhath puja. I am not looking forward to any help from political parties.”

The Chhath puja is one of the main festivals in Bihar and people are taking the opportunity to cast their vote and also meet family members for the festival.

According to sources the BJP is planning to hold meetings at industrial townships in the city outskirts and woo Biharis. The BJP is arranging to make travel arrangements for over two lakh Bihari voters in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is contesting six seats in the Seemanchal region but is not keen on showering any sops.

Kanhaiya, a cricket umpire who hails from Govindgunj says, “Most Biharis who work in factories may lead a hands to mouth existence but Bihari asmita (pride) pulls them to their constituencies to cast their vote.”

Bihari migrants in the city are moving out in hordes as three major events, the final phase of polls on November 5, Diwali on 11 and the biggest festival of Bihar the Chhath puja on 17 is proving to be a chance for people to be with family.

By:T P Venu