Mahagathbandhan gears up for Bihar Assembly Election 2025’s first phase, targeting 121 seats across Patna, Shahabad, and Tirhut. With key contests in Danapur, Raghopur, and Buxar, the alliance eyes a stronger comeback against NDA’s renewed strategy.
Qalam Times News Network
By Khurshid Alam | 4 November | Patna
Mahagathbandhan Finalizes Strategy for First Phase
Mahagathbandhan has rolled out its final strategy for the 121 assembly constituencies going to polls in Bihar’s first phase on 6 November. Political temperatures have soared in Patna, Shahabad, and Tirhut, where major political heavyweights are contesting. Despite bad weather hampering campaigns, the alliance remains confident of outperforming its 2020 record.
On the other hand, the NDA has also stepped up efforts to consolidate its base, especially in key constituencies where Mahagathbandhan had performed strongly in the previous election.
Patna: The Political Epicenter
Patna district has 14 assembly constituencies including Mokama, Baad, Bakhtiyarpur, Digha, Bankipur, Kumhrar, Patna Sahib, Fatuha, Danapur, Maner, Phulwari (SC), Masaurhi (SC), Paliganj, and Bikram.
In 2020, Mahagathbandhan secured 9 of these seats, while the NDA won 5.
Among these, Bankipur and Danapur are drawing the most attention.
At Bankipur, BJP’s Nitin Naveen — a four-time MLA and state minister — is facing Rekha Kumari from the RJD. Naveen had defeated Congress’ Luv Sinha, son of Shatrughan Sinha, in 2020 by over 39,000 votes.
Danapur Turns into a Political Battlefield
The Danapur constituency has become a hot seat with BJP fielding Ram Kripal Yadav, former Union Minister, against sitting RJD MLA Ritlal Yadav, who is currently in jail.
In 2020, Ritlal Yadav defeated BJP’s Asha Sinha by over 15,900 votes.
This time, Ram Kripal Yadav — a seasoned politician with three Lok Sabha contests under his belt — is giving the Mahagathbandhan a tough fight on its home turf.
Shahabad: NDA’s Weak Spot, Mahagathbandhan’s Fortress
Shahabad region, comprising Bhojpur, Kaimur, Rohtas, and Buxar districts, remains a Mahagathbandhan stronghold. In the 2020 assembly elections, the NDA managed to win only 2 out of 22 seats — Ara and Barhara — while the remaining 20 went to the Mahagathbandhan.
This time, NDA has recalibrated its strategy, reconciling with disgruntled leaders like Pawan Singh and R.K. Singh, hoping for a better result.
In Buxar, Congress MLA Munna Tiwari faces a tough challenge from former IPS officer Anand Mishra, now BJP’s candidate, who gained popularity as an independent in the Lok Sabha polls.
Sasaram Sees a High-Stakes Battle
In Sasaram, Sneh Lata Kushwaha, wife of Upendra Kushwaha, is contesting under the Rashtriya Lok Morcha banner.
The 2020 election saw RJD’s Rajesh Gupta win by over 26,000 votes.
This time, RJD’s Satyendra Shah is contesting but faces legal hurdles after being arrested post-nomination.
With a sizable Kushwaha vote bank, this constituency is set for a neck-to-neck fight between Mahagathbandhan and NDA-backed candidates.
Tirhut: NDA’s Stronghold, Mahagathbandhan’s Challenge
Tirhut division, the largest in Bihar, includes East and West Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, and Vaishali districts — totaling 49 assembly seats.
Out of these, NDA holds 33, while Mahagathbandhan won 16 in 2020.
Both alliances view Tirhut as a make-or-break region this time.
In Vaishali, all eyes are on Raghopur, where RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is seeking a third consecutive win against BJP’s Satish Yadav, the same rival who once defeated his mother Rabri Devi in 2010.
Tejashwi and Tej Pratap on Divergent Paths
While Tejashwi Yadav continues his campaign from Raghopur under the Mahagathbandhan banner, his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav is fighting independently from Mahua under his newly formed party Jan Shakti Dal.
After being expelled from both family and party, Tej Pratap is treating this election as a battle for survival.
In 2015, he had won from Mahua on an RJD ticket with a margin of over 28,000 votes.
Other Hot Seats: Renu Devi, Sunil Pintu, and Ajay Nishad’s Wife in the Fray
In West Champaran’s Bettiah, Bihar’s Animal Husbandry Minister Renu Devi is contesting for the fifth time, facing Congress’ Wasi Ahmad.
In Sitamarhi, BJP’s Sunil Pintu, a three-time MLA and former MP, is up against RJD’s Arjun Rai.
Meanwhile, in Muzaffarpur’s Aurai, BJP has fielded Ram Nishad, wife of former MP Ajay Nishad, after dropping former minister Ram Surat Rai.
Mahagathbandhan Confident, NDA Claims “Ground Has Shifted”
RJD leaders claim a “wave in favor of Mahagathbandhan,” citing Tejashwi Yadav’s developmental initiatives during his previous tenure.
Meanwhile, BJP asserts that the party has corrected past errors in Shahabad and Tirhut, predicting victory on 70–80% of the seats in these regions.
As the first phase nears, both alliances have staked their reputations — and perhaps their futures — on these 121 seats.
