Bhagirath Manjhi, son of the famed “Mountain Man” Dashrath Manjhi, says he was let down by Congress after the party denied him a ticket for the upcoming Barachatti Assembly seat in Bihar’s general election. The 2025 polls in the state are set for November 6 and 11, and this dispute could split support for the Grand Alliance that includes Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal.
In an interview with from Gaya on October 22, Bhagirath explained why he feels cheated. He recalls that a few months ago Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited his modest home in Gehlaur village, Gaya district. The senior leader, together with party workers, ate coconut milk, chatted with the family and toured the road that Bhagirath’s father proudly carved through a mountain in 22 years. “Rahul ji promised me the Barachatti ticket then,” Bhagirath said. He also claimed that Rahul urged him to see the road at a rally in Patna.
“Eight days after the visit, the Congress team built a solid house for us,” Bhagirath added. “We thought this was a sign of commitment, but now it feels like politics.” He says he expected to receive more than a new home; he wanted a clear ticket to contest the election.
Bhagirath switched from JD‑U to Congress in June in hopes of a nomination. However, the Grand Alliance ticket list was announced with Tanushree Manjhi as the candidate for Barachatti. “We were told to come to Delhi to secure the nomination,” Bhagirath says. “We stayed for four days but Rahul never met us, while others got their tickets.” He feels his hometown was abandoned after the construction of a new house.
Despite his disappointment, Bhagirath remains critical of other local leaders. He complains that Jitan Ram Manjhi, another prominent Dalit figure, and Congress do not follow up on his promises after the house was built. “No one came to check our situation after that,” he said.
The issue also highlights growing frustration with the opposition in a state where Dalit voters are crucial for the Grand Alliance’s success in the Scheduled Caste‑reserved Barachatti seat. Bhagirath says he trusted Rahul because he visited his home personally. “Now the candidate who wants votes will win them,” he concluded.
The story follows the legacy of Dashrath Manjhi, who once constructed a 110‑meter long, 9‑meter wide, 7‑meter deep path through a ridge of hills covering 55 km between Atri and Wazirganj blocks. His road reduces the distance to just 15 km and has become a tourist attraction since 2007. The man’s monument, the Dasharath Samadhi, sits in his former village of Gehlaur, a reminder of his unmatched determination.
Congress has yet to respond to Bhagirath Manjhi’s criticism. As Bihar prepares for its November elections, the party’s decision may prove pivotal for the morale of Dalit voters and supporters of the Grand Alliance.
Source: ianslive
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