Political parties in Bihar entice voters living in Nepal to return home and vote for them

Political parties in Bihar are leaving no stone unturned to ensure they secure every single vote, even reaching out to voters living across the border in Nepal. With around three lakh people of Bihar origin residing in Nepal, parties are making efforts to convince them to return home and cast their votes in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The 10 Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar that share borders with Nepal are witnessing a unique phenomenon during election season. Voters living abroad see elections as a festival, an opportunity to visit their hometown, meet relatives, and exercise their voting rights.

For many like Chandeshwar Shah, a trader based in Kathmandu, elections are a chance to reconnect with their roots. “We used to come here four to five days before the polling day to exercise our voting rights… this time too, we will do the same,” he shared. The festive atmosphere during elections is palpable, with the international border bustling with activity as people gather in large numbers.

However, some voters living in Nepal revealed that they are often lured by local representatives of candidates to return home and vote. This practice is common not only in Lok Sabha polls but also in Panchayat and urban local body elections.

Jitendra Singh Gangwar, the Bihar Police’s ADG (Headquarters), emphasized the importance of voters coming before the border is sealed 72 hours before polling. With elections being compared to festivals like Holi and Diwali, the enthusiasm among voters living in Nepal to participate in the democratic process is evident.