In this article, I would like to make a strong case for two capitals in the state. BJP’s 2020 success story can be attributed to its unprecedented performance in the 3rd phase of elections in the Seemanchal region.  The Seemanchal region is amongst the most backward in the country, has a 47% Muslim population, and accounts for 24 assembly seats with a mere 50 % literate population. The demographic of the region have due to poor representation in state and center politics.  The backwardness in the Seemanchal can not be overcome unless the power center in the state moves from Patna to the east and more prominently in Purnia Division which comprises districts like Katihar, Kishanganj, Araria, and Purnia itself.

Power-sharing with two capital principles will suppress the secession tendency which is getting erupted in the region. The region has witnessed the growing infiltrations from Bangladesh and has been causing great concern not just for the region but for the nation as a whole. Uncounted, unaccounted infiltrators often seem to destabilize the region impacting the integrity and sovereignty of India. The political and administrative representation in the region will be an effective tool to bring the region on the growth trajectory at par with the other regions of the state aiming to make Bihar Atma Nirbhar. The attributes of a good capital are its closeness to the river, a major point of connection, and a notable ancient past. Purnia lying on the Bank of Kosi, a tributary of Ganga [Katihar to be precise], a major junction for connectivity with the North East, an airport (under development). This place fulfills all the prerequisites.  The historic association from Mahabharata to Mughals makes it an idle fit. Though lagging in the human development indicators, the place might need support from the center and state government but is one of few ways to bring the region to the mainstream.

There are several other factors that are significant and are closely associated with the region and it has not been in the limelight for a long time.

1. Geo-Political Significance: 

The Uniqueness of the region is that there 4 international borders within a radius of 300 km,  Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Tibet [Autonomous Region of China]. This has been the key attribute of the region but India so far has not been able to leverage this geopolitical significance of the region due to backwardness in the region.  A good urbanized center in the region will not help India to improve its diplomatic ties with the neighbors but can also promote cross-border trade, people to people interaction, and the development of the region.

2. Geo-Strategic Significance 

Chicken Neck, 17 km wide corridors connecting Siliguri to the North-Eastern Region of India is a mere 100 km from the location. Doklam Conflict -2017 between India-China had happened due to the strategic importance of this region. The corridor passes between Bangladesh and Bhutan which means that the North East is connected with the mainland by a particularly thin piece of land called the Siliguri corridor. This narrow strip — which slims down to 17 km at its narrowest.

The corridor is extremely important for India because it runs rails and roads towards the North East through it. This allows it to sustain the armed forces posted in the North East which will form an important piece of the puzzle should a conflict arise between India and China in the region. If, however, China is able to block off the corridor (and break the Chicken’s Neck, so to speak), this will isolate the North East and will cut off the supplies and reinforcements reaching that area. There is no sea route as the North East is completely land-locked. Limited provisions can reach the region if India uses only airplanes.  The development in the region will send a strong message to assertive China on India’s capability to govern the region in much better capability and any future Doklam misadventure can be avoided.

3. Political Significance

Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP] who are currently trying to get a significant vote share in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections,  a capital in the Seemanchal region will give a solid ground to capture the political influence in the neighboring all the four district. For a long time, BJP has struggled to establish its base in the region, the political context in the region is largely based on the communal ground. Interestingly 5 out of 24 seats of Seemanchal region have gone to an AIMIM [The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen is an Indian regional Muslim-oriented political party based in the Indian state of Telangana] justifying the need for BJP to change the momentum to development for the Election contest.

The proposal to designate Purnia as the capital of Seemanchal in Bihar is not just a developmental move; it carries significant political implications, especially for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This strategic decision has the potential to bolster the BJP’s political standing in the region, with the upcoming elections in mind.

1. Current Political Landscape: As of the latest statistics, the BJP does not hold considerable number of Member of Parliament (MP) seats in the Seemanchal region. With ZERO number of MPs from the BJP representing the region, the party has not have notable presence in the Lok Sabha.

2. Strengthening Electoral Base: Designating Purnia as the capital can be viewed as a masterstroke to strengthen the BJP’s electoral base. By aligning with the sentiments of the people and addressing regional aspirations, the party aims to consolidate its political support.

3. Potential Swing in Marginal Seats: Analysis of past elections suggests that certain constituencies in Seemanchal have been politically marginal. The proposed capital move could potentially sway these seats in favor of the BJP, creating a ripple effect across the region.

4. Impact on Voter Perception: Perceptions matter in politics. By spearheading the cause for Purnia as the capital, the BJP aims to shape a positive perception among voters. This move could position the party as responsive to local needs and committed to the region’s progress.

5. Communication Strategy: Numbers alone do not win elections; communication does. The BJP can leverage this proposal as a centerpiece of its political narrative, showcasing a proactive approach to regional development and governance.

6. Potential Challenges and Mitigation: While the move might have its critics, the BJP can anticipate and address potential challenges through effective communication and strategic policy adjustments. A well-thought-out strategy could neutralize opposition and garner broader support.

In the realm of politics, the proposal to make Purnia the capital of Seemanchal is a calculated move by the BJP. With a substantial number of MPs in the region and a strategic vision for electoral gains, this decision could reshape the political landscape, making it a focal point in the upcoming political discourse.

Bihar needs a second capital urgently” for deeper integration, the prosperity of the state. This will result in the scheme of overall development. Making a new Capital in the Purnia Division would help create newer opportunities in trade, cultural exchange, securing better diplomatic ties with neighbors. While the idea is not mooted in the power circles of Delhi or even Patna, the idea is worth a discussion. Even an informal status of ‘mini capital’ if not a winter capital can help improve the socio-economic development of the region and will forever change the power equation of Bharatiya Janata Party in the Seemanchal region of Bihar and Northern Part of West Bengal.

#Atma NirbharBihar: Follow the below links to read more 

Part: 1 

Part: 2

Part : 3

Part: 4 

अशोक चौधरी "प्रियदर्शी"

Ashok Kumar Choudhary is Joint President, Bihar, National Human Right’s Organisation, a retired banker who has wide experience in handling rural banking, agriculture and rural credit. He is also a Trade Unionist and has held a leadership position in Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, trade wing of RSS. Writer, Poet, Thinker,
Also an amateur Astro-Palmist, Numerologist, Naturopath, Acupressure Expert, ,आयुर्वेद सलाहकार

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