Bihar Election 2025: High-Stakes Battle in Mahua Constituency
The counting of votes for the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 is underway today, with all attention focused on the crucial Mahua constituency. This seat has become the center of a dramatic political showdown as Tej Pratap Yadav, the estranged elder son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, attempts to reclaim his former stronghold.
Early Results Show Tough Fight
According to the latest updates from the Election Commission of India, Tej Pratap Yadav is not among the leading candidates in the initial rounds of counting. Sanjay Kumar Singh of the LJP(RV) is currently leading with a margin of 2294 votes, while RJD's Mukesh Kumar Raushan holds the second position.
However, with only two rounds completed out of 26 total rounds, the political landscape could change dramatically as the day progresses. The final outcome remains uncertain, and all candidates are watching the counting process closely.
Family Feud Takes Center Stage
The Mahua contest represents more than just an electoral battle—it's a dramatic family saga playing out in public view. After his very public fallout with the family and subsequent expulsion from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Tej Pratap formed his own political party, the Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD).
The tension between Tej Pratap and his brother Tejashwi Yadav, who has been named the Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial candidate, has been particularly bitter. During the campaign, Tej Pratap made headlines by referring to his younger brother as a "child" whom he would give "a rattle to play with" after the elections.
Mahua's Political History and Significance
Mahua constituency has traditionally been an RJD stronghold with a significant Yadav voter base. Since 2000, voters have elected four RJD MLAs compared to just one from JD(U). Tej Pratap himself previously represented this constituency, having won the seat in 2015 during the last Mahagathbandhan government.
However, in the 2020 Bihar Assembly Election, the seat was won by RJD leader Mukesh Kumar Raushan, who is now competing directly against his former party colleague Tej Pratap.
Potential Political Ramifications
Tej Pratap's decision to form JJD and contest against his former party could have significant consequences for Bihar's political landscape. Political analysts suggest that JJD candidates might split the traditional Yadav vote bank, potentially affecting both the RJD and the broader Mahagathbandhan alliance's performance.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Tej Pratap had expressed confidence before the results, stating, "We will win. Our party will win 10-15 seats" and specifically asserting his victory in Mahua. He emphasized his focus on work rather than celebration, saying "Jashn ki tayari nahi, hum kaam ki tayari karte hain".
With exit polls predicting a victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a strong performance by Tej Pratap's JJD could open up post-poll alliance possibilities. The JJD chief has kept his options open, stating that "thousands of options" would be available after the results.
