A ground-level survey of the Hazaribagh Parliamentary constituency was conducted by India News to analyse the performance of Jayant Sinha, the Member of Parliament from Hazaribagh, and gather voters’ feedback about him.
Hazaribagh, often referred to as the Shimla of Jharkhand, boasts enchanting landscapes with dense forests, picturesque valleys, meandering rivers, and rolling hills. Nature has bestowed the Hazaribagh Lok Sabha constituency with not only scenic beauty but also hidden treasures within its embrace.
Nevertheless, the looming spectre of Naxalism casts a shadow over the region, influencing the political landscape of the nation. Currently, the distinguished leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jayant Sinha, holds the representation of Hazaribagh in the Lok Sabha. Since the year 1957, the Congress and Left parties have secured victory in this constituency only on two occasions.
In contrast, the BJP has tasted success six times, and the socialist factions have also celebrated triumphs in the electoral arena. This intricate blend of natural allure and political dynamics defines the multifaceted character of Hazaribagh.
The Congress party has faced a drought of success in Hazaribagh since the year 1984. The local electorate of Hazaribagh exhibits a notable openness to accepting external candidates. Adding to the historical significance of the region, Hazaribagh Jail has garnered fame since the British colonial era.
Originally constructed by the British, this prison served as a facility to incarcerate freedom fighters during the struggle for independence. Notably, Jayaprakash Narayan, a prominent figure in Indian politics, was confined within the confines of Hazaribagh Jail during the period of emergency. Legend has it that it was within these walls that JP crafted the strategy to oust Indira Gandhi from power.
Under JP’s guidance, a multitude of revolutionaries managed to evade captivity by digging through the walls during the emergency. The Hazaribagh Lok Sabha constituency comprises a total of 5 assembly seats. With an electorate of around 1.7 million voters, the voter demographic in Hazaribagh is distinctive.
The Kurmi community boasts the highest representation among voters in this region. Additionally, there is a significant presence of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Class populations. In urban areas, Rajputs and Kayasthas are prominent. It is noteworthy that, in Hazaribagh, caste is believed to have a minimal impact on politics, as social harmony and equilibrium are considered influential factors in the political landscape.
In the last decade, notable advancements have been made in education, agriculture, and road infrastructure in Hazaribagh. A new medical college has been set up in Goria Karma, contributing to the improvement of healthcare facilities.
The Hazaribagh-Barkagaon road has undergone enhancements, leading to better connectivity. Long-distance train services originating from Hazaribagh have been introduced, facilitating improved transportation.
Goria Karma is now home to the Indian Agricultural Research Center, focusing on agricultural innovation and development. Additionally, the implementation of the Hazaribagh-Ramgarh Rural Pipeline Water Supply Scheme has addressed water supply challenges in the region.
A significant milestone is the establishment of the state’s first women’s engineering college in Ramgarh, providing opportunities for women in the field of engineering. These developments reflect the commitment to progress and upliftment in various sectors in Hazaribagh.
Nevertheless, there are numerous issues demanding attention as the 2024 general election approaches for the Hazaribagh Lok Sabha constituency. The significance of this election underscores the imperative for the public to scrutinize the actions of their elected representative.
India News is actively conducting precise surveys to assess the performance of the Member of Parliament, ensuring that the opinions of the public are transparently conveyed to the nation. This democratic process serves as a vital mechanism for accountability and informed decision-making during the upcoming electoral proceedings.
Attendance in Parliament, number of questions asked, MP fund utilization, and special contributions form the basis of parliamentary performance evaluation. Jayant Sinha’s presence in Parliament is around 90%. He has raised 96% of the questions in the House related to the development of the region and the country. Regarding the utilisation of MP funds, Jayant has spent around 90% of the allocated amount. His special contribution to parliamentary activities is approximately 70%. Based on these parameters, MP Jayant Sinha scores 0.86, which is excellent.
The public in Hazaribagh has responded to our six questions without bias. Most people believe that the MP’s work in the region is better than average. While the focus on development in the region was higher earlier, it seems to have slightly decreased. The public is both satisfied and dissatisfied with the MP’s work, and opinions vary. Regarding voting preferences, the majority view the BJP and Modi government’s work positively. However, the final decision on whom to vote for remains unclear for many voters.
In India News’ survey, Hazaribagh’s public was asked the same questions as in our survey. The results align with our findings. Social media platforms also conducted surveys, with approximately 60% of users expressing favourable opinions about Jayant Sinha.
The region faces a myriad of pressing issues that significantly impact the daily lives of its residents. Naxalism, characterized by insurgent activities and armed conflicts, poses a persistent threat to the region’s stability and security. The unauthorized and illegal mining of coal further exacerbates concerns, raising environmental and legal issues. The terror of wild animals has become a serious concern, affecting both human populations and local wildlife. The region grapples with extreme levels of unemployment, creating social and economic challenges for the community. Additionally, a severe water crisis has emerged, highlighting the critical need for sustainable water management solutions. Mass migration has become a prevalent phenomenon, indicating the challenges people face in their pursuit of better opportunities.
Traffic jams have become a common occurrence, reflecting the strain on infrastructure and transportation systems. Furthermore, the disrepair of rural roads compounds the difficulties faced by those residing in remote areas, hindering connectivity and access to essential services.
Taking into consideration the parliamentary performance, ground-level activities, and social media survey outcomes, Jayant Sinha secures ratings of 0.86, 0.50, and 0.60, respectively. Averaging these scores results in 3.85, positioning him at the 7th spot. Jayant Sinha attains an approval rating of approximately 58%, and following our assessment criteria, he neither secures a pass nor a fail, thereby creating a “FIFTY-FIFTY” scenario.
Despite positive indicators in parliamentary attendance, question-raising, and fund utilization, uncertainties linger regarding voting preferences and the impact of central government schemes.
In this democratic process, the public’s active involvement, transparent surveys, and candid opinions contribute to an informed decision-making process. Hazaribagh awaits the democratic exercise of 2024, where the electorate’s judgment will shape the future trajectory of the constituency. The region’s rich history, intertwined with contemporary challenges and aspirations, sets the stage for a nuanced political landscape that demands both scrutiny and active public participation.
While witnessing progress in education, agriculture, and infrastructure, Hazaribagh faces pressing issues like Naxalism, illegal coal mining, wildlife threats, unemployment, water crisis, mass migration, traffic congestion, and rural road disrepair. The upcoming 2024 general election carries immense significance for the region, prompting an evaluation of the parliamentary performance of Jayant Sinha.