Bihar Elections: BJP’s campaign aims to reach Bihari migrants nationwide, not just within the state.

As the 2024 Bihar Assembly elections approach, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is intensifying its efforts to connect with Bihari migrants not only within the state but also across the country. This strategic move underscores the party’s recognition of the large and influential Bihari migrant community that resides in major cities and towns throughout India. By expanding its campaign outreach beyond Bihar’s borders, the BJP aims to tap into this significant voter base, which could prove to be crucial in securing victories across the state in the upcoming elections.

A Vast and Influential Migrant Community

Bihar has one of the largest migrant populations in India, with millions of people from the state living and working in various parts of the country, particularly in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Many of these migrants have moved to these cities in search of better job opportunities, education, and living conditions. Despite being away from their home state, these individuals often retain a strong emotional connection to Bihar and are keenly interested in its political landscape.

Recognizing this demographic as a vital component of Bihar’s electorate, the BJP is tailoring its election campaign to reach out specifically to these migrants, ensuring that they feel included in the political process, even though they may not reside in their home state during the elections.

BJP’s Outreach Strategy: Digital and Physical Engagement

The BJP’s strategy for engaging Bihari migrants is multi-faceted, combining both digital platforms and traditional, physical outreach methods to maximize their impact.

On the digital front, the BJP is leveraging social media, mobile apps, and targeted advertisements to reach Bihari migrants across India. By using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp, the party is delivering political messages, campaign updates, and advertisements in Hindi and regional Bihari languages to ensure better accessibility. Social media is particularly effective in engaging younger voters, many of whom are active online and are eager to stay connected to their roots while living away from home.

Additionally, the BJP has been organizing virtual town hall meetings and interactive sessions with party leaders. These online events allow Bihari migrants to hear directly from the party and ask questions about its policies and vision for the state. Through such virtual platforms, the BJP is able to bypass geographical barriers and bring together Bihar’s diaspora for active participation in the political process.

On the ground, the BJP is making efforts to establish physical presence in key cities with large migrant populations. The party has set up campaign offices, organized local meetings, and held rallies in areas with a high concentration of Bihari workers. These events are designed to directly engage the community, provide a platform for sharing grievances, and reassure migrants that their concerns are being heard and addressed.

Addressing Key Issues for Migrants

The BJP’s outreach to Bihari migrants goes beyond just seeking votes—it also focuses on addressing specific issues that affect this community. For many migrants, concerns such as job opportunities, better wages, and improved living conditions are top priorities. Additionally, issues like access to healthcare, education for children, and the welfare of elderly parents back home are areas of significant concern.

In its campaign messages, the BJP is emphasizing its efforts to address these issues both within the state and for migrants living outside Bihar. For instance, the party has highlighted initiatives aimed at improving the economic situation in Bihar, including the development of infrastructure and job creation, which would benefit both those who live in the state and those who return after spending years working elsewhere.

The BJP is also focusing on improving the welfare of Bihari migrants living outside the state, pledging to make it easier for them to access government schemes and benefits. This includes creating easier channels for registration and application for welfare programs and providing better support systems for families of migrants who are in need of assistance.

Leveraging Emotional and Cultural Connections

Another significant aspect of the BJP’s strategy is the emphasis on emotional and cultural ties to Bihar. Many migrants retain a deep sense of loyalty to their home state, and the BJP is keen to tap into these sentiments. The party is framing its campaign in a way that appeals to Bihari pride, urging migrants to support policies that promote the state’s development and upliftment.

Through cultural programs, song-and-dance performances, and traditional festivals, the BJP is attempting to revive the nostalgia that migrants often feel for their home state. These events are designed to remind the diaspora of their roots while promoting the idea that a prosperous and developed Bihar is in their best interest. The party is also emphasizing Bihar’s rich cultural heritage and history, linking its future growth to the aspirations of those who have moved to different parts of India.

The Importance of the Migrant Vote

With over 25 million Bihari migrants spread across various states, their collective vote can significantly influence the outcome of the 2024 elections. Historically, Bihari migrants have shown strong voting behavior, and their votes are often crucial in swing constituencies.

Given the competitive nature of Bihar’s political landscape, with multiple parties vying for power, the BJP sees the migrant vote as an essential factor in securing electoral victories. If the BJP can effectively connect with this community and secure their support, it could tip the scales in many constituencies, ensuring that the party retains or even increases its hold on power in the state.

Looking Ahead

As the 2024 Bihar elections draw nearer, the BJP’s expanded outreach to Bihari migrants could play a decisive role in determining the party’s success. By focusing on both the emotional and practical aspects of the migrant experience, the party hopes to foster a sense of inclusion and participation, ensuring that those who have left Bihar continue to have a say in its political future. This nationwide campaign strategy may set a precedent for how political parties can engage with diaspora communities in future elections, not just in Bihar, but across the country.