Sitamarhi: The Parihar assembly seat in Sitamarhi district has become the centre of attention in Bihar politics, as three women candidates take the lead in this year’s electoral battle. The seat, which has seen the BJP’s dominance for years, is witnessing a tough triangular contest between BJP’s Gayatri Devi, independent candidate Ritu Jaiswal, and RJD’s Dr Smita Purve. Their strong presence and growing influence have made this one of the most interesting and unpredictable fights in the state.
Currently, the seat is held by BJP leader Gayatri Devi, who is aiming for a third consecutive victory. Before her, her husband, Ramnaresh Yadav, had represented the same constituency when it was part of Sonbarsa. Since the delimitation, the BJP has continued to hold on to this seat. In the 2020 elections, Gayatri Devi defeated RJD’s women’s wing president Ritu Jaiswal. This time, Gayatri is hoping for a hat-trick, but the political equations have changed drastically.
Ritu Jaiswal, who was once seen as a strong face of the RJD, is now contesting as an independent candidate after being denied a party ticket. The RJD expelled her for six years for her rebellious attitude, but she is now fighting her own battle, reaching out to voters with the slogan “Parihar will also become Purnia.” Her campaign is targeting both the BJP and the RJD, hoping to attract voters who are unhappy with both parties. On the other hand, the RJD has given its ticket to Dr Smita Purve, daughter-in-law of former minister Dr Ramchandra Purve, who is trying to regain her family’s lost political ground and restore their legacy.
Local residents say the situation remains uncertain, and no clear wave has formed yet. “Nothing has been decided. The direction of the wind will decide who wins this time,” said Mohammed Javed, a voter from Sonbarsa block. Every candidate is trying to break into the other’s vote bank. Both Ritu Jaiswal and Dr Smita Purve belong to the Vaishya community, which is traditionally seen as the BJP’s strong base. Gayatri Devi, who comes from the Yadav community, is confident that her caste support and existing goodwill will help her once again. Meanwhile, Muslim voters, who are key supporters of the RJD, have not yet made up their minds, and upper-caste voters too appear divided.
As the campaign heats up, the fight for the Parihar seat has become a symbol of changing political dynamics in Bihar. Three women from different political backgrounds are challenging each other for victory, making the contest not just about power but also about pride, family legacy, and the growing voice of women in state politics.
