New Delhi [India], October 29 : The Raghopur assembly seat in Bihar's Vaishali district is shaping up to be a battleground for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who has held the seat since 2015, faces a tough challenge from BJP's Satish Kumar Yadav, who previously lost to Tejashwi in the 2020 Assembly elections.
The incumbent MLA and leader of the opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, has been a dominant force in Raghopur. He won the seat in 2015 and 2020, defeating Satish Kumar Yadav on both occasions.
A member of the Yadhuvanshi community, Satish Kumar Yadav previously represented the Janata Dal (United) and won the Raghopur seat in 2010, defeating Rabri Devi. He later switched to the BJP and lost to Tejashwi Yadav in 2015 and 2020.
The first phase of the 2025 Bihar assembly elections is set to commence on November 12, in just 8 days. The Raghopur constituency is emerging once again as one of the most closely watched constituencies in the state.
The entry of Chanchal Singh from the Jan Suraaj Party, led by Prashant Kishor, could alter the contest's dynamics. Singh's candidacy may draw votes away from both the NDA and Mahagathbandhan, making the outcome unpredictable.
Moreover, his elder brother, Tejpratap Yadav, who flouted the new party Janshakti Janta Dal after his exit from RJD, has fielded Prem Kumar.
The Raghopur constituency has long been a stronghold for the Lalu Yadav family. Lalu Prasad himself won the seat in 1995 and 2000, serving as Chief Minister during both terms. His wife, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, went on to represent Raghopur three times, first in the 2000 by-election and later in two subsequent assembly elections.
In 2010, Satish Kumar, then a leader of the Janata Dal (United) [JDU], defeated Rabri Devi from the Raghopur seat, creating a major political upset by a margin of 13,006 votes. In that election, Satish, a member of the Yadhuvanshi community, secured 64,222 votes, while Rabri Devi received 51,216. However, he later lost to Tejashwi Yadav in both the 2015 and 2020 Assembly elections.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also fielded Raju Kumar to give the uncertain fights to the two strongest alliances in Bihar.
The outcome will depend on various factors, including the performance of the Jan Suraaj Party and the ability of the NDA and Mahagathbandhan to mobilise their supporters.
The key issues that are likely to dominate the electoral landscape include infrastructure development, flood resilience, youth unemployment, migrant workers' welfare, and caste dynamics.
The constituency faces significant infrastructure challenges, including poor road connectivity, inadequate healthcare facilities, and limited access to quality education. Residents are demanding improvements in these areas.
Raghopur is prone to annual flooding, and the local population is seeking measures to mitigate its impact. Candidates are likely to be judged on their ability to provide flood relief and develop flood-resistant infrastructure.
Unemployment is a major concern in Bihar, and Raghopur is no exception. Candidates who can offer viable solutions to address youth unemployment are likely to garner significant support.
Many residents of Raghopur migrate to other parts of India for work. The constituency's development agenda may include measures to support migrant workers and their families.
Caste plays a significant role in Bihar's politics, and Raghopur is no exception. Candidates will need to navigate complex caste equations to secure support from diverse communities.
The 2025 Bihar Elections will see a contest between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahagathbandhan.
NDA includes the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
The Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes the Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML), led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP).
Additionally, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj has staked claims to all 243 seats in the state.
The assembly elections in Bihar are scheduled to be held on November 6 and 11, respectively, while the results will be declared on November 14.