'Nitish has done well, but only Modi can bring development to Bihar'

QUICK PILL

The person

• 28-year-old Sanjay Paswan is a graduate student in Samastipur

• He takes tuition classes for children and has also worked in NGOs

The viewpoint

• Even though he praises Nitish Kumar, he will still vote for the NDA

• He has a high opinion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

More in the story

• Why is there anger against Nitish, despite the work done by him?

• What attracts people towards Narendra Modi?

Elections are not just about politicians. They're about people and issues. And what will really drive their vote.

Catch is, therefore, starting a 'People of Bihar' series, which will daily capture what different impact groups across the state are feeling. This is true insight on the Bihar election: up-close and hyper-personal.

28-year-old Sanjay Paswan is his completing his graduation in arts from Samastipur College. Catch bumped into him on the Hajipur-Samastipur state highway. He was on his way to Samastipur from his village Shakurpur, where he had gone to give tuition classes to a few children.

Paswan also works with a few NGOs, providing training to farmers.

He recalls the days when the 28-30 kilometre journey from his village to Samastipur used to be a day-long affair. Now, he can cover the distance on his bicycle in about 80-90 minutes, courtesy the state highway built by Nitish Kumar's government.

But despite this, Paswan plans to vote for the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance. He has a high opinion of Modi and believes he has done a lot to build India's international image.

Another crucial reason for Paswan's support for the NDA is caste. He says that he will vote for anyone LJP leader Ram Vila Paswan supports.

He discusses the elections in a conversation with Catch.

Whom are you going to vote for?

I will vote for Modi. Ram Vilas Paswan is also with him. The NDA will form the government this time. I don't want to waste my vote.

How do you rate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's performance so far?

He is meeting world leaders and visiting developed countries. This will bring investment to India.

In the coming days, people will see development like never before.

Aligning with Lalu was Nitish's biggest mistake. We don't want a corrupt government in Bihar

Modi ji has a great personality. He impresses anyone who meets him. He is a strong man and I am sure the nation will do well under his leadership.

Which of his initiatives do you find positive?

Take the Jan Dhan Yojna, for instance. No one thought of such a scheme before. Then he is also giving education loans to students. He has promised to establish new universities and educational institutions in Bihar. This will help promote education and boost employment.

How do you rate Nitish Kumar's performance as chief minister?

He has done a good job, there is no doubt about that. Power supply has improved, he has build roads and schools, the crime rate has fallen. But will this continue if Lalu Prasad shares power with him? I don't think so. We don't want a corrupt government here. Bihar needs development.

Aligning with Lalu was Nitish's biggest mistake.

Did Modi insult the people of Bihar with his DNA comment?

He shouldn't have made that remark. This became an issue for no reason. But everyone jokes about Biharis, even the media. This is very hurtful.

But the DNA remark is not an election issue. People will vote based on performance. I think Modi will be good for Bihar. We will be able to change the image of Bihar and Biharis.

How do you want to see the future of Bihar?

I am voting for development. Bihar has to move forward. Modi is the right person for this job. The nation has high hopes from him. I believe he will deliver the change we need.

Also read: Dalit PhD student Krishna: 7/10 for Nitish, 3/10 for Modi

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Banka Silk founder Udayan Singh wants a third term for Nitish

Graduate Azra feels Modi isn't inclusive enough to vote for

Whoever comes to power must create jobs: front-office boy Divyanshu

Nitish is a better leader than Modi: Student politician Zeeshan

Nitish has ruined his chance by joining Lalu: Lakshmi, graduate, Muzzafarpur

There's little to choose between Modi and Nitish: wannabe cop Vinit argues for NOTA

Lawyer Indira Sharma: Nitish started well, but has now lost his mind

Farmer Ali Ashraf: 'Dadri is jungle-raj. I don't want that in my state'

Researcher Sunita: don't like BJP but today's Nitish is worse

Social worker Munna Jha: no matter what surveys say, I'll vote for Nitish

Madrasa student Ahmed: Modi's promises fake, I'll vote for Nitish

Entrepreneur Imran: give BJP a chance to prove secular credentials