Darbhanga: “Twenty years ago, this area was a place of fear from criminals. There were no roads, no electricity. Whenever we left home, we carried a slip with our name and address—so our bodies could be identified if we were killed. Today, the area is peaceful because of Nitish Kumar. Security is our biggest issue, and we’ll vote for it,” says Rampravesh, a resident of Dasari village in Darbhanga district’s Gaura Bauram constituency.
Voting for this seat will take place on November 6, in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections. The constituency has become one of the most closely watched due to infighting within the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan).
Originally allotted to Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), the seat saw a twist when RJD gave its ticket to Afzal Ali Khan after VIP delayed announcing a candidate. VIP later fielded Santosh Sahni, brother of party chief Mukesh Sahni. This dual candidacy from the alliance has created confusion among voters — and a potential opening for the BJP, which has fielded Sujit Kumar, husband of current MLA Swarna Singh.
Voters Divided, NDA Gains Edge
Local residents told reporters that the presence of two Grand Alliance candidates has left supporters uncertain. “Both are claiming to be alliance candidates. If we vote for one, it may harm the other,” said Mohammad Shamim, a sweet shop owner in Nadi village.
Many voters expressed frustration over recurring issues — floods, lack of quality education, limited medical facilities, unemployment, and migration. “This area stays submerged for eight months every year,” said Bhola Bhagat of Biraul village. “We now want to vote on the basis of roads, schools, and hospitals — not caste or religion.”
While resentment against the sitting MLA Swarna Singh exists, NDA’s Sujit Kumar appears to have consolidated ground support due to Nitish Kumar’s welfare schemes. “We’re getting free electricity, Kisan Samman Nidhi funds, and women have received ₹10,000. Why should we vote for anyone else?” asked Hridayananda Jha from Dasari village.
Complex Equations and Caste Factor
Gaura Bauram, created after delimitation in 2008, has 23% Brahmin and 25% Muslim voters — two key blocs that usually decide the outcome.
- In 2010, JDU’s Dr. Izhar Ahmed defeated RJD’s Dr. Mahavir Prasad.
- In 2015, JDU’s Madan Sahni won under the Grand Alliance banner.
- In 2020, VIP’s Swarna Singh won the seat for NDA by defeating RJD’s Afzal Ali Khan by 7,280 votes.
After Swarna Singh joined BJP in 2022 due to health reasons, her husband Sujit Kumar is now contesting in her place.
Grand Alliance Rift Deepens
VIP chief Mukesh Sahni’s own village, Jirat Machhtha, reflects the rift on the ground. “We will vote for RJD because we want Tejashwi to become CM,” said Mohammad Attaullah, a local resident. Others expressed anger toward Mukesh Sahni over local disputes.
Tejashwi Yadav’s rally in Gaura Bauram on October 30 added to the confusion. Campaigning with Mukesh Sahni, Tejashwi publicly endorsed Santosh Sahni, saying, “Santosh is the Grand Alliance candidate. We respect Afzal, but sometimes sacrifices are needed for alliance unity.”
However, RJD’s Afzal Ali Khan remains defiant. “Laluji gave me the ticket. I am contesting on his orders. I don’t care about what Tejashwi says,” he told reporters.
Political observers say this disunity may hand the seat to the BJP. “If RJD and VIP fail to reach an understanding, NDA’s Sujit Kumar will benefit,” said journalist Abhishek Jha. “The Muslim-Yadav vote is decisive here. If it consolidates behind RJD, Afzal could win — but if it splits, BJP will sweep.”
Promises and Priorities
VIP’s Santosh Sahni said his priority is tackling floods and improving connectivity. “Many areas here don’t have roads, and some are constantly flooded. We’ll fix that.”
Meanwhile, BJP’s Sujit Kumar promises development continuity. “Education and healthcare will be my focus. Children shouldn’t have to go to Kota or Delhi to study. We’ll also work on a permanent flood solution,” he said.
Amid this tug-of-war, Gaura Bauram’s voters are torn between loyalty, confusion, and hope for real development — making it one of Bihar’s most unpredictable contests this election season.
