Magadha-Shahabad region has become the biggest challenge for NDA. After a huge defeat in 2020, NDA is trying to return with a new strategy and alliance this time. The role of Chirag Paswan and Upendra Kushwaha is considered important.
Patna: Amidst the preparations for Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, there is a region that remains the biggest challenge for the NDA – Magadha -Shahabad. This is the area where the NDA suffered a huge defeat in the 2020 election and has remained a weak link for them till date. But what the situation can change this time will be interesting to see.
2020 crushing defeat
Out of the total 62 assembly seats in Magadh-Shahabad region, NDA got only 6 seats out of 26 seats in five districts of Magadh division (Gaya, Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Arwal and Nawada) in the 2020 elections. Among them, NDA’s account was cleaned in all 6 seats in Aurangabad, while the three seats in Jehanabad were occupied by the Grand Alliance. NDA got zero in both Arwal seats. Only 1 out of 5 seats (Warisleiganj) came to NDA’s account in Nawada. Gaya was divided into 10 seats in 10 seats, which was the best performance for NDA. The situation in Shahabad region was worse. In Kaimur district, where the BJP won four seats in 2015, not a single seat was won in 2020. NDA’s account was also cleared in Rohtas.
JDU’s worst performance
The most shocking thing was that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal United (JDU) did not open an account in this entire region. JDU could not win a single seat in 37 seats in Magadh-Khand. The NDA’s only 6 seats came to the account of BJP (3) and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha (3).
Disappointment in 2024 Lok Sabha elections also
The NDA’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was not satisfactory in the region. The Grand Alliance snatched the Lok Sabha seats of Pataliputra, Jehanabad and Aurangabad from the NDA. Jugalbandi of RJD and CPI Male defeated several NDA veterans, including Union Ministers RK Singh and Upendra Kushwaha.
Ethnic equation
The Yadav-Muslim coalition in this region is a strong foundation of the grand alliance. Apart from this, the strong impact on Dalit voters of CPI-Male is a big challenge for NDA. In 2020, Male won 4 of his total 12 seats from this region. The Kushwaha community also plays a decisive role in the region. In 2020, Upendra Kushwaha’s separation from the NDA and the separatist strategy of Chirag Paswan caused heavy damage to the NDA.
NDA’s new strategy in 2025
In the 2025 assembly elections, the NDA has prepared a new strategy regarding the Magadha-Shahabad region. Under this, the NDA has made complete preparations for strengthening the organization and returning to the electoral fray, making this sector its priority. The biggest change is to include new faces in the coalition. The arrival of Chirag Paswan is expected to increase the influence in youth and backward classes, while Upendra Kushwaha’s return is being made a strategy to strengthen the grip on Kushwaha vote bank. Apart from this, NDA is hopeful about Jitan Ram Manjhi’s impact on Dalit voters.
For organizational strengthening, the NDA has paid special attention to activists to activate workers up to booth levels and ground preparations. Efforts are being made to create an effective network at every booth to make up for the last time defeat. Also, the agenda of development is also an important part of the NDA strategy. The announcement of 12-13 thousand crore development projects during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit has given the NDA a chance to give an edge in electoral issues. The NDA is trying to build confidence among voters regarding schemes related to road, electricity, water, education and health. Through these changes, the NDA has landed this time with the target of returning to power by compensating the previous defeat.
Grand Alliance challenges
This region is also challenging for the Grand Alliance. There are reports of tension between RJD and Male regarding seat sharing. The demand for 40 seats of Male has put RJD in trouble. According to political analysts, these 62 seats in Magadh-Shahabad can be the Bihar election 2025. For the NDA, it is not just a matter of winning the seat, but a fight to save its political reputation.