In Patna’s Bankipore, flyovers rise but frustrations simmer beneath the surface

Patna: Bankipore assembly constituency, at the heart of Patna, has long been a bastion of the BJP. With 3,78,432 registered electors — 1,99,655 men, 1,78,753 women and 24 from the third gender — the seat is witnessing an intense triangular contest.

Sitting BJP MLA Nitin Nabin, seeking a fourth consecutive term, faces Rekha Kumari of the RJD and Vandana Kumari of Jan Suraaj.

Vandana’s entry has added a fresh dynamic to a race that has traditionally been one-sided, even as the RJD continues its struggle to find traction in this urban pocket.Although the BJP’s dominance has remained firm for years, rising frustrations over civic issues — chronic waterlogging, rampant encroachment, and a perceived disconnect between voters and their representative — have unsettled public sentiment.

Jan Suraaj, with its call for clean governance, is drawing interest from those seeking an alternative. The RJD, however, continues to face scepticism with many still wary of the “jungle raj” years.“There are no govt schools in my locality. Every year, poor drainage leads to severe waterlogging and the recently constructed roads are merely on surface-level and of substandard quality,” said Prashant, a resident of Chiraiyatand.

Ajay Kumar Sinha from Goriya Toli and Bavan Yadav from Lalji Tola echoed the call for change. Yadav complained that two pump houses in his area had been non-functional for over a decade despite repeated appeals while Sinha lamented the lack of a community hall and a school in his neighbourhood.The electorate appears divided. Many residents praise the NDA govt for its visible infrastructure drive — better roads, new bridges, and Patna’s signature double-decker flyovers.

“Development has just begun — this is not the time to experiment,” said one resident, stressing confidence in the NDA’s continuity.Vikas from Ashok Rajpath pointed to improved hospital facilities and reduced congestion owing to the new flyover. Rajiv Roshan from Exhibition Road lauded the BJP-JD(U) alliance’s infrastructure achievements but stressed the need for better urban planning to tackle dust, pollution, and park maintenance.Others, however, believe change is long overdue. “If you don’t flip the bread on the griddle, it burns,” said a local, criticising the long-serving MLA for complacency. “The current MLA doesn’t meet the people,” he added, voicing the growing disenchantment in parts of the constituency.For some, Jan Suraaj has emerged as a credible alternative amid disillusionment with corruption and bureaucratic inertia. Manoj Kumar from Kadamkuan, a Jan Suraaj supporter, said, “Nothing gets done without paying a commission, especially in mutation work. The Jal Nal Yojana has failed, and bureaucracy is overwhelming.”