From the littered lanes of Darbhanga to the crowded streets of Dadar, a firm sentiment brews among Biharis who left their homes and came to the city of dreams to build their destiny. Biharis living in Mumbai no longer seek sympathy; they demand real change back in their home state.
As Bihar headed towards the 2025 Assembly Elections yesterday on November 6, thousands of Biharis living and working in Mumbai say they still harbour hopes for a better homeland — one that guarantees opportunity, dignity, and jobs within its borders so future generations do not have to migrate for a secure life and future.
Despite a post-pandemic decline in migration from Bihar to Mumbai for jobs and gig work, those from Bihar still worry about employment, improved infrastructure, and, most importantly, a stronger education system in their home state.
Many Biharis in Mumbai express frustration that despite years of hard work, Bihar continues to lag in employment, infrastructure, and education. Yet, some remain hopeful that change may finally come in the years ahead.
Development: A secondary choice for Biharis
Considering the fact that the system in Bihar has failed the hard-working population, which forced them to migrate to Mumbai and other cities, Mid-Day, on the day of elections, talks with different classes of people in Mumbai who migrated from Bihar for better opportunities.
“In Bihar, we don’t vote blindly. Our decisions are mainly based on the basis of caste and religion,” said Ajay Patwa, a 35-year-old auto driver who hails from Khagariya constituency in Bihar.
Ajay Patwa (35). (Pic/Tarun Verma)
When asked about development across various sectors in Bihar, the autodriver who resides in Bandra East stated that, “Development is secondary. First, we ensure our community’s representation, because only when our own people are in power will real progress automatically follow.”
Bihar wants change
While all the hype during the ongoing election has been captured by Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav and Prashant Kishor, the people of Bihar living far away from their home think that a new and energetic leader could bring a revolutionary change in Bihar’s infrastructural and employment sector.
While hinting at Chirag Paswan to become the next Chief Minister of Bihar, Tejram Shivrao (49), who hails from Bihar’s Samastipur constituency, said, “Bihar is done with false promises and rusted approach towards development. The state now wants a visionary leader who thinks out of the box.”
Tejrao Shivram (49). (Pic/Tarun Verma)
Asserting that the state of Bihar is already in a very critical position, Tejram, who also works as an autodriver in Mumbai’s suburbs, added, “A leader like Chirag Paswan could bring policies that could be a game-changer for Bihar”.
The ‘Jungle Raj’ fear
“Moving out of Buxar in 2016 for my studies was one of my first steps to secure better education and professional growth,” said Pulkit Kumar, who now works with a reputed retail fashion brand in Mumbai.
Explaining why he had to leave, Pulkit told Mid-Day, “I didn’t leave Bihar by choice; I left because I had no alternative,” his voice heavy with emotion.
Pulkit Kumar (24). (Pic/Special arrangement)
“Back then, violence was routine in Buxar; even young boys carried weapons in my area. I once got dragged into a fight, and that moment changed everything. I realised if I stayed, my future would disappear in that darkness. Today, I work in Mumbai’s fashion retail industry, living comfortably. I visit home every two months, but the situation there hasn’t changed much. I want ‘jungle raj’ gone forever so Bihar’s youth don’t have to migrate like I did — they should rise, dream, and build their lives on their own soil.”
Weak education infrastructure
While Nitish Kumar claims Bihar has progressed under the NDA government, Biharis nearly 1,800 km away still believe lack of jobs is a primary reason they are forced to migrate to bigger cities.
Nandkishore Poddar, who works in a posh Andheri East residential building, recalls the emotional toll of leaving Bihar. “I spent my childhood in Bihar; I studied, grew, and dreamed in Darbhanga,” he said.
Nandkishore Poddar (23). (Pic/Tarun Verma)
The 23-year-old narrated his job struggles: “After completing my education, I searched for work across Bihar. There were none. I went from office to office, town to town, only to be rejected. It broke me.”
“Finally, a relative advised me to move to Mumbai. Six months ago, I boarded a train from Darbhanga to Dadar with just a bag and hope. Today, I’m settling in, but a part of me still wishes for those opportunities back home.”
Freebies vs real opportunities
With both NDA and the INDIA bloc parties emphasising freebies, young Biharis feel such schemes do not solve unemployment and instead discourage people from seeking work.
On October 21, the Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD and Congress, released its manifesto ‘Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran’, promising a law within 20 days of forming the government to ensure one government job per family.
However, many view it as a political tactic.
Anand Kumar (26), a chartered accountant by profession in Mumbai, said, “I spent my childhood in Bihar and followed almost every election closely,” recalling his years in Barauli constituency.
CA Anand Kumar (23). (Pic/Special arrangement)
“From Lalu Yadav to Nitish Kumar, leaders talk about jobs and development near elections.”
“They promise change and opportunities — but once votes are counted, everything goes silent,” the 24-year-old added.
As the Bihar elections 2025 starts off yesterday, the main contest stays between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan.
The NDA includes the BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. The Mahagathbandhan includes RJD, Congress, CPI(ML) Liberation, CPI, CPI(M), VIP and Indian Inclusive Party.
Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj is also contesting all 243 seats. Bihar votes in two phases on November 6 and 11, and the results will be declared on November 14.
