Tejashwi Yadav May Contest from Two Seats in Bihar, Political Buzz Rises

National News: After the announcement of election dates in Bihar, political activity has gained new momentum. Parties are busy forming and breaking alliances as strategies shift rapidly. Amid this changing landscape, strong buzz suggests that Tejashwi Yadav may contest not only from his current seat in Raghopur but also from Phulparas the political land of Bharat Ratna and legendary leader Karpoori Thakur. While there are also talks about Bisfi, the discussions around Phulparas appear to be much more intense.

Tejashwi May Target MY and EBC Voters

It is being said that from Phulparas, Tejashwi Yadav will try to attract not only Muslim-Yadav (MY) voters but also Extremely Backward Classes (EBC). In this, the role of RJD’s new state president, Mangi Lal Mandal, could be important. At present, JDU leader and minister Sheela Mandal represents Phulparas. She belongs to the Dhanuk community of the EBC group. Mangi Lal Mandal is also from the Dhanuk community. However, the Dhanuk community is divided into two groups – Magahiya and Chiraud. Sheela Mandal belongs to the Magahiya group, while Mangi Lal Mandal is from the Chiraud group. Because of this, Tejashwi may try to win over a section of the EBC vote. If this happens, Congress may have to leave its claim on Phulparas and focus elsewhere. Apart from RJD, senior leaders from Congress and JDU are also discussing the possibility of Tejashwi contesting from this seat.

RJD’s Strategy in Mithila Region

Tejashwi Yadav has often said that by strengthening RJD in the Mithila region, the party can get closer to power. Out of 25 assembly seats from Supaul to Darbhanga, RJD currently holds only three – Laukaha, Madhubani, and Manigachhi. Political observers believe that if Tejashwi contests from Phulparas, it will influence the seats in both Darbhanga and Supaul districts.

Historical Dominance of Yadav Candidates in Phulparas

Yadav candidates have long dominated the Phulparas assembly seat. From 1990 to 2015, only Yadav candidates won from this seat. Devnath Yadav won three times, while his wife Gulzar Devi won twice. Ram Kumar Yadav also won two times. Yadav candidates have secured victories here for Congress, JDU, and even the Samajwadi Party twice. RJD fielded Bharat Bhushan Mandal once and Virendra Chaudhary once, but both lost. In 2020, the Mahagathbandhan gave the ticket to Congress leader Kripanath Pathak, a Brahmin candidate, but he lost to Sheela Mandal, an EBC candidate from JDU. After her first win, Sheela Mandal became a minister and served for five years. The constituency has a good mix of EBC, Muslim, and Brahmin voters.

Karpoori Thakur’s Historic Connection

It is noteworthy that in the 1977 by-election, Devendra Prasad Yadav vacated this seat, and then Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur won from here. Since then, Phulparas has been considered his political workplace and carries historical importance in Bihar politics.