Bihar polls: Close contest between NDA, Grand Alliance in Bahadurpur

Sanjay Singh

BAHADURPUR (DARBHANGA): Among the 10 assembly constituencies of Darbhanga district in Bihar’s Mithilanchal region, all eyes are on Bahadurpur seat where RJD nominee Bhola Yadav, a close aide of former chief minister Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, is trying his luck for his first entry to the state assembly. Darbhanga will go to polls in the fifth phase on November 5.

Although Bahadurpur was won by the JD (U)’s Madan Sahni, RJD chief Lalu Prasad first got this seat in his party’s share and then fielded Bhola Yadav, who is currently a MLC. Since Bahadurpur has a sizeable number of voters from Sahni (fishermen) caste, JD(U) has selected Madan Sahni for the neighboring Gaura Baram constituency to keep Sahni voters intact.

BJP has also fielded a Sahni candidate to corner Bhola Yadav. It has picked Hari Sahni, who was chairman of the district board. His presence has prompted RJD to engage Madan Sahni for campaigning in Bahadurpur also. Bhola Yadav’s political weight is evident from Lalu Prasad’s plan to hold at least two meetings in Bahadurpur. “Laluji will address two election meetings at Baruara and Masera on November 1 and 3 respectively. On 2nd, Nitishji will address an election meeting at Taralahi,” a party worker said.

In view of the sizeable population of Dalits and Mahadalits, the speaker of the state assembly and JD(U) leader Uday Narayan Choudhari will also campaigne here three days, the party worker said. RJD spokesman Manoj Jha will also campaign here. “He will tour Brahmin-dominated villages. His movement in the area may help RJD stop Brahmins from going for aggressive voting against the party,” another party worker said.

Darbhanga is important for both the grand alliance and BJP-headed NDA, which explains the effort the two sides are putting into this constituency.