Katihar Assembly Constituency Awaits Verdict in High-Stakes Bihar Elections
The political fate of Katihar assembly constituency hangs in balance as counting begins for the 2025 Bihar Vidhan Sabha elections. This crucial seat in northeastern Bihar witnessed polling on November 11, 2025, as part of the two-phase election process that covered all 243 assembly seats across the state.
Key Candidates in the Fray for Katihar Seat
Katihar constituency features a diverse field of candidates representing major political parties and independent contenders. The electoral battle includes Tarkishore Prasad of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who is defending his seat after securing victory in the previous assembly elections. The BJP veteran faces competition from Dr. Ghazi Sharique of the Jan Suraaj Party and Saurav Kumar Agarwal representing the Vikassheel Insaan Party.
Other notable candidates in the contest include Ahmad Raza from All India Majlis-E-Inquilab-E-Millat, Dr. Ram Prakash Mahto running as an independent candidate, and Rajesh Gurnani from the Aam Aadmi Party. The complete list of candidates showcases the democratic diversity of the constituency with multiple independent candidates including Janardan Singh, Samir Kumar Jha, and Sanjay Singh.
Historical Context and Previous Election Performance
In the 2020 assembly elections, BJP's Tarkishore Prasad secured victory by a margin of 10,519 votes, demonstrating his stronghold in the region. The runner-up position was claimed by RJD's Dr. Ram Prakash Mahto who gathered 72,150 votes in that electoral contest. Prasad has maintained his winning streak since 2010, establishing himself as a dominant political figure in Katihar's political landscape.
The current election assumes greater significance as Bihar recorded a voter turnout of 57.3% this year, showing a slight increase compared to the 2020 assembly elections. This indicates heightened political engagement among the electorate despite various challenges.
Broader Political Context and Alliance Dynamics
The Katihar contest unfolds against the backdrop of intense competition between major political alliances in Bihar. The RJD-led Mahagathbandhan and the NDA coalition comprising JD(U) and BJP among others are locked in a fierce battle for dominance in the state assembly. The outcome in Katihar will serve as a crucial indicator of the prevailing political winds in the region.
As counting progresses, all eyes remain on the Katihar constituency where the electoral verdict will determine whether the incumbent maintains his stronghold or whether changing political dynamics will bring a new representative to power. The results will not only shape local governance but also influence the broader political equations in Bihar state politics.
