Patna: The biennial election for the Patna Teachers’ constituency of the Bihar legislative council, scheduled for Oct 23, has turned into a high-stakes triangular contest, with 18 candidates in the fray. The election is drawing attention as political parties clash over reforms and growing anti-incumbency against the incumbent.The spotlight is on BJP’s Nawal Kishore Yadav, who is backed by the ruling NDA, including JD(U)’s organisational machinery. Yadav has held the seat uninterrupted since 1996. A victory on Oct 27, the counting day, would give him a sixth consecutive term and extend his continuous legislative service to 36 years. He began his political career with Lalu Prasad’s Janata Dal/RJD before switching to BJP in 2014. “I’ll hit a six this time,” Yadav told the reporters.However, Yadav faces strong challenges from RJD, Congress and Jan Suraaj. RJD has fielded former MLA Sanjeev Kumar, who is seeking to tap into growing frustration among govt and contractual teachers (Niyojit Shikshak). Congress has fielded Sanjay Yadav, exposing tactical differences within the opposition’s Mahagathbandhan alliance. Though Sanjay is not seen as a primary contender, political analysts believe caste-based votes secured by him could affect the BJP nominee’s support.The key wildcard is Divya Jyoti of Jan Suraaj, founded by poll strategist Prashant Kishor. Jyoti is running a reform-focused campaign targeting the region’s educated electorate. The challengers are highlighting three decades of anti-incumbency, unresolved administrative grievances, demands for comprehensive pension reform and uneven implementation of 7th Pay Commission scales.“There is an undercurrent in favour of the Jan Suraaj. Voters have an opportunity to demand accountability from elected representatives and support candidates promising better employment opportunities, improved salaries, and dignity for teachers,” Kishor said while campaigning for Jyoti.Political analysts still give Yadav an advantage because of his extensive personal network among secondary and college teachers. However, the sustained campaigns by Jan Suraaj and RJD have made the contest more competitive, with teachers’ concerns and anti-incumbency likely to shape the outcome.
