Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal has won the Bhojpur-Buxar Local Authorities Legislative Council by-election, handing the NDA its first electoral setback since Samrat Chaudhary assumed office as Bihar chief minister.
The by-election result was declared on Thursday following vote counting that began at 8am.
RJD candidate Sonu Kumar Rai defeated Kanhaiya Prasad of Janata Dal United by 340 votes.
RJD Maintained Lead Throughout Counting
According to election officials:
- Sonu Rai secured 2,486 votes
- Kanhaiya Prasad received 2,146 votes
- Manoj Upadhyay polled 636 votes
A total of 5,956 votes were cast in the election, while 621 votes were declared invalid.
The counting process was conducted over two rounds across 13 tables.
Officials said Sonu Rai maintained a lead from the initial stages of counting, with celebrations intensifying among RJD workers as successive rounds confirmed the party’s advantage.
Following the announcement of the result, supporters gathered to celebrate and exchanged sweets.
Victory Seen As Boost For Mahagathbandhan
The result is being viewed as a significant political boost for the opposition Mahagathbandhan alliance in Bihar.
Soon after the victory, the RJD issued a congratulatory message through its official X account.
The party said:
“We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Rashtriya Janata Dal candidate Sonu Kumar Rai — as well as to all RJD workers and supporters — on his resounding victory in the Bhojpur-Buxar Local Authorities constituency.”
The by-election was held on May 12.
Political observers said the result could carry symbolic significance for Bihar’s evolving political landscape ahead of future electoral contests in the state.
