‘People of Siwan want change and rule of law’

Patna: Days of fear and lawlessness have left Siwan’s residents yearning for change and stability, says health minister and BJP candidate from Siwan, Mangal Pandey. He discusses the NDA’s plans for development, law and order and women’s empowerment in the district with TOI’s Kshitiz. Excerpts:Why did you choose the Siwan constituency to contest the Bihar polls?Siwan is my birthplace. I was born in Bhrigu Ballia village in the Maharajganj block of Siwan district.

I completed my secondary education in Maharajganj in 1987 and higher secondary education in science from Devi Dayal High School. After serving as an MLC and minister for a long time, the party has shown faith in me by giving me this important opportunity to contest from Siwan.Why will the people here choose you against the sitting RJD MLA?Siwan still lacks development. There are narrow roads, traffic congestion, an incomplete sewerage system and poor infrastructure.

The sitting MLA has not fulfilled his duties as a public representative, so the people now want a new face. After the NDA returns to power, the pace of development across the state, including Siwan, will increase significantly.What are your development plans for Siwan?A new govt medical college and hospital is being built in Siwan at an estimated cost of Rs 568 crore. It will include a 500-bed hospital, a BSc nursing college, hostels, and residential quarters for faculty and staff.

The NDA govt is committed to providing free medical facilities to the poor by increasing the number of Ayushman cardholders.A 240-km four-lane Ram Janki Path is also being built, starting from Mehrauna Ghat at the UP-Bihar border and passing through Siwan, Saran, East Champaran, Sheohar, and Sitamarhi before reaching Bhittha Mor near the Nepal border. The route will pass through the Guthani block of Siwan, connecting local residents with Ayodhya and creating new employment opportunities.After ensuring electricity for every home, the NDA govt will now focus on promoting green energy through the installation of solar panels in more households. We are also working towards women’s empowerment by providing them with employment opportunities.Is Osama Shahab, son of former MP the late Md Shahabuddin, a factor in Siwan?The people of Siwan have seen the Shahabuddin era. They still remember how law and order had deteriorated during that time. Now, they want change and development. Osama is not a factor in Siwan anymore. People are aware and will vote for progress and peace to ensure the rule of law prevails in the region.