Key Battlegrounds Emerge as Bihar's Lok Sabha Elections Enter Second Phase

The second phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bihar is set to take place on April 27, with five critical constituencies going to the polls. The Janata Dal (United), a key player in Bihar politics, currently holds four of these seats and faces a significant challenge in retaining them. The constituencies of Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Bhagalpur, and Banka will see intense battles between the JD(U), the Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

In Kishanganj, a three-way contest is expected between the Congress's Mohammed Javed, the JD(U)'s Master Mujahid, and the AIMIM's Akhatarul Iman. The constituency, with a significant Muslim population, will be a key battleground for all parties involved. Meanwhile, in Katihar, the JD(U)'s sitting MP Dulalchand Gowami faces strong anti-incumbency, which could prove to be a challenge for the party.

Purnia is likely to witness another three-way fight, with the JD(U)'s Santosh Kushwaha, the RJD's Bima Bharati, and Independent candidate Rajiv Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav vying for the seat. The constituency's diverse voter base makes it a challenging battlefield for all contenders.

Bhagalpur, known for its upper-caste Bhumihar voters, will see a contest between the Congress's Ajit Sharma and the JD(U)'s Ajay Mandal. The entry of Sharma has divided the upper-caste voters, adding an interesting dynamic to the race. In Banka, the sitting JD(U) MP Giridhari Yadav is pitted against the RJD's Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav, with the upper-caste voters being particularly divided between the two parties.

Why this matters: The outcomes in these five constituencies could significantly impact the political dynamics within Bihar and have national-level implications. The elections will test the strength of the JD(U) and its alliances, as well as the ability of the INDIA and NDA to make inroads in the state.

As the campaign intensifies, all eyes are on these critical constituencies. JD(U) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been actively campaigning for his party's candidates, emphasizing the need for development and stability in the state. "The JD(U) has always worked for the betterment of Bihar and its people. We are confident that the voters will once again repose

Key Takeaways

• Second phase of 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bihar on April 27 for 5 critical seats.
• JD(U) holds 4 of these seats, faces challenges in retaining them from INDIA and NDA.
• Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, Bhagalpur, and Banka to witness intense 3-way contests.
• Outcomes in these seats could impact Bihar's political dynamics and have national implications.
• JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar actively campaigning, emphasizing development and stability in Bihar.