Renu Devi faces tough contest from Independent in Bettiah

Bettiah: Among the nine assembly constituencies in West Champaran district, Bettiah stands out as a seat where an Independent candidate is poised to challenge the BJP strongly in the second phase of the assembly polls on Nov 11.The BJP has once again fielded former deputy CM Renu Devi, contesting for the sixth time, while Wasi Ahmed represents the Congress. Jan Suraaj has nominated Anil Kumar Singh, and Rohit Sikaria, husband of Bettiah’s mayor Garima Devi Sikaria, has entered the fray as an Independent. Political observers believe that Sikaria’s presence could complicate the NDA’s prospects in what has traditionally been a BJP stronghold.Advocate Ramesh Chandra Pathak of the Bettiah Bar Council said poor civic conditions remain a sore point for residents. “The road leading to the hospital and waterlogging in the city are major issues. A grand building for the govt medical college and hospital has been built, but the number of doctors remains insufficient,” he said. “This has caused some displeasure with sitting MLA and former deputy chief minister Renu Devi, though NDA cadre voters will likely stay with her.

However, independent candidate Rohit Sikaria is giving a strong challenge, backed by both Muslim and Hindu voters,” he added.Gyanendra Sharan, director of a private college, echoed the sentiment that Sikaria’s entry has altered local dynamics. “There’s talk that Sikaria will give the BJP’s Renu Devi a tough fight this time. People had hoped the BJP would field a new, younger face who could push development forward, but Renu Devi was nominated for the sixth consecutive time.

Many are disappointed,” he said.Sharan added that several villages under Majhauliya block appear discontented with the BJP candidate with discussions suggesting growing support for Sikaria. “The city’s business community also seems to be rallying behind him,” he said. “Still, Bettiah has long been a BJP stronghold and that legacy may help Renu Devi. If Congress’s cadre voters solidly back Wasi Ahmed, the contest could become close between the BJP and Congress.

But since the Congress has fielded an outsider, many voters remain uncertain,” Sharan said.Deepak Kumar, a businessman from Bettiah’s Lalbazar area, said the Independent candidate’s family ties to the BJP have created confusion among voters. “Sikaria’s wife, Garima Devi Sikaria, is the mayor of Bettiah and a member of the BJP’s core committee. So, there’s speculation that Sikaria may join the BJP if he wins. That’s why those unhappy with the BJP candidate, Renu Devi, are uncertain whether to support him or re-elect her,” he said.Renu Devi being the only woman candidate among all nine constituencies in the district may work in her favour, particularly among women voters. However, civic issues continue to dominate the discourse. Bettiah’s chronic waterlogging and traffic congestion have become central campaign themes. “People want an MLA who can free Bettiah from waterlogging and widen narrow roads,” Deepak Kumar said.