Campaigns – Documentary Highlights Grassroots Political Struggle in Bihar
Campaigns – A recently screened documentary at the Press Club of India has drawn attention to a lesser-seen side of electoral politics, focusing on determination and persistence rather than victory. Titled Ruke Na Jo (Unstoppable), filmmaker Prateek Shekhar’s work examines the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign of CPI(ML) candidate Sandeep Saurabh in Bihar’s Nalanda constituency, a region long considered a stronghold of established political leadership.
A Campaign Against the Odds
The documentary forms part of the broader Election Diaries series and follows Saurabh as he contests from Nalanda, the home district of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. For years, the constituency has witnessed large winning margins for sitting representatives, making it one of the toughest electoral battlegrounds for opposition candidates.
Despite these challenges, Saurabh’s campaign relied heavily on volunteers and small public contributions, including donations as modest as ₹20. The film portrays a political effort built on local participation and determination rather than extensive financial resources.
Journey Through Bihar’s Political Landscape
One of the documentary’s recurring visual elements shows Saurabh travelling through Bihar while reflecting on his political experiences and motivations. Against the backdrop of vast rural landscapes, the film captures his commitment to continuing the campaign despite the difficult circumstances.
The opening and closing scenes mirror each other, creating a powerful narrative arc. While the surroundings remain unchanged, the audience witnesses the personal and political journey undertaken during the election period.
The Role of Small Donations
A central theme of the documentary is the significance of citizen-funded politics. According to Shekhar, modern elections have become increasingly expensive, creating substantial barriers for parties with limited financial backing.
The campaign’s reliance on small donations demonstrates an alternative model of political participation. Rather than depending on large funding sources, supporters contributed what they could, helping sustain campaign activities throughout the election period.
Why the Story Drew the Filmmaker’s Attention
Shekhar explained that his interest in Sandeep Saurabh began several years ago, citing the politician’s clarity of vision and commitment to public issues. He was also intrigued by CPI(ML)’s performance in the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, where the party secured notable victories despite broader challenges faced by Left parties across the country.
The documentary further explores debates surrounding political funding and campaign strategies. It highlights how access to financial resources can influence voter outreach, data management, digital communication, and organisational capabilities during elections.
Ground-Level Politics in the Digital Era
The film contrasts traditional campaigning methods with the growing influence of digital political operations. While many modern campaigns depend on social media outreach, data analytics, and targeted messaging, Saurabh’s team focused largely on direct interaction with voters.
Shekhar observes that political communication has increasingly shifted toward digital platforms and media channels over the past decade. In contrast, the Nalanda campaign relied on face-to-face engagement and local mobilisation.
Capturing the Reality of Election Work
Filmed over approximately 18 days by a small crew, the documentary adopts an observational style. It follows Saurabh’s demanding schedule, documenting long hours on the road and regular interactions with residents across the constituency.
The film also gives space to voters’ concerns, expectations, and frustrations, providing a broader perspective on the issues shaping electoral politics at the grassroots level.
Debate and Democratic Diversity
Among the documentary’s notable moments is a discussion between CPI(ML) General Secretary Deepankar Bhattacharya and RJD leader Manoj Jha. Their exchange reflects differing views on welfare schemes and broader questions of social and economic justice.
Rather than favouring one perspective, the film presents the discussion as an example of the diverse viewpoints that exist within opposition politics.
Beyond Electoral Results
Although Sandeep Saurabh ultimately lost the election by around 1.7 lakh votes, the campaign succeeded in significantly reducing the victory margin compared with previous contests. For Shekhar, the story extends beyond electoral outcomes.
The documentary argues that political participation is not defined solely by winning elections. Instead, it highlights the persistence required to continue engaging with democratic processes despite limited resources and difficult odds. Its closing moments leave viewers with a simple but lasting message: the journey continues, even when the destination remains uncertain.