Critical Battles in Bihar's Second Phase Assembly Elections: Key Constituencies and Candidates

Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: The second phase of voting brings critical contests for the ruling NDA alliance.

Patna:

Bihar heads to the polls today for the second phase of its assembly elections, covering 122 constituencies out of 243 total seats. In the 2020 elections, the BJP claimed victory in 42 of these seats, while the RJD secured 33, JD(U) won 20, Congress took 11, and Left parties collectively gained five seats.

The constituencies voting today span across multiple districts: 11 seats in East Champaran, 10 each in Madhubani and Gaya, nine in West Champaran, eight in Sitamarhi, and seven each in Bhagalpur, Rohtas, Purnia, and Katihar. Additionally, six assembly seats in both Araria and Aurangabad districts will participate in this voting phase.

This round holds particular significance for the governing NDA alliance, with 12 ministers from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's cabinet seeking reelection.

Key Battleground Constituencies

1. Madhuban (Champaran)

The Madhuban assembly constituency in Champaran represents a critical contest. BJP's incumbent MLA Rana Randhir faces RJD candidate Sandhya Rani. Jan Suraaj party has introduced a third dimension to this high-profile competition with their candidate Vijay Kumar Kushwaha. Predominantly populated by the Vaishya trading community, Madhuban has historically been a stronghold for Rana Randhir's family, with his father Sitaram Singh having represented the constituency from 1985 to 2005.

2. Kahalgaon (Bhagalpur)

Among the most closely observed races is Kahalgaon Assembly seat in Bhagalpur district, which features a complex four-way competition. Mahagathbandhan allies RJD and Congress find themselves in a friendly contest against each other. The ruling Janata Dal United is also in contention, while BJP's sitting legislator Pawan Kumar Yadav has rebelled against the party line and entered the race as an Independent candidate.

3. Bettiah (West Champaran)

The BJP has nominated former Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi, a five-time winner of this seat. She faces opposition from Congress candidate Wasi Ahmed and Independent contender Rohit Sikaria, a local OBC leader expected to divide opposition votes.

4. Katihar (Katihar district)

This constituency presents a prestige battle for former Deputy Chief Minister Tarkishore Prasad. The BJP veteran, who has held the seat since 2005, faces an unexpected challenger in Saurabh Agarwal, son of his associate Ashok Agarwal, running under the Vikassheel Insaan Party banner. Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj has fielded Ghazi Sharique, whose candidacy might split Muslim votes—potentially benefiting the NDA.

5. Kargahar (Rohtas)

Although political strategist Prashant Kishor was initially expected to contest from this constituency, his Jan Suraaj Party instead nominated popular Bhojpuri performer Ritesh Pandey. Pandey, now a household name, challenges incumbent Congress MLA Santosh Kumar Mishra. The constituency has historically alternated between Congress and Nitish Kumar's JD(U), which has fielded Bashisth Singh in this election.