Ground Report from Dr Rajendra Prasad’s Village Ziradei: Liquor Ban Reality, Migration & Bihar’s Development Debate

This ground report from Ziradei village in Bihar, the birthplace of India’s first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, exposes the sharp contrast between political claims and ground realities. While leaders highlight vikas (development) and prohibition policies, the voices of ordinary villagers tell a very different story.

The mukhiya proudly points to better roads, street lights, and basic amenities delivered under his leadership. Yet, villagers openly admit that liquor is easily available despite Bihar’s official ban, even close to Patna, the residence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. A local shopkeeper selling jalebi and chowmein remarks bitterly, “Lo, to yahan kaun nahi peeta hai? Bhagwan nahi milega, sharab mil jayega.” This candid statement reflects the ground reality of prohibition in Bihar.

Beyond the liquor issue, the economic crisis in Ziradei is equally stark. Many families survive only because members migrate abroad, often to the Gulf countries or even Russia, in search of work. One villager, freshly returned, admitted that no sustainable employment exists locally, forcing people to leave their homes just to provide for their families.

The condition of Rajendra Prasad’s memorial itself is neglected, further underlining the lack of attention to his legacy and the village’s needs.

This report raises a critical question: if the birthplace of India’s first President struggles with unemployment, migration, and failed prohibition policies