In Neuri Tola, a Yadav-dominated village in the Gaura Bauram constituency of Darbhanga, the road leading to the colony of Mallahs – a fishing community belonging to the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) – is flooded after a spell of rain. One must wade through ankle-deep water to reach it. Three young men scroll through Instagram reels in a courtyard as elderly men discuss politics.

Most say they will vote for the RJD.

“This time, people want change. While Nitish Kumar is not bad, the government has failed to create jobs. Look at the condition of the village. And for all his EBC politics, what have we got from Nitish Kumar?” says Vikas Sahani, 25.

Jawahar Sahani, 60, who had been listening, smiles before interjecting: “None of that is relevant. The road, the power we use – all are Nit

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