Polling for the Tirhut graduate MLC by-poll is going smoothly, ECI recorded 4.96% polling till 10 am.

Patna December 5, 2024: The polling for the Tirhut Graduate MLC by-election is currently underway in Bihar with 4.96% polling registered till 10 am on Thursday.

The ongoing Tirhut Graduate MLC by-election in Bihar has garnered significant attention due to its three-way contest, with the entry of Prashant Kishore’s party, Jan Suraj, making the contest more dynamic.

Historically, this region has been an NDA stronghold, with the JDU maintaining dominance over the past two decades.

The election was necessitated by the resignation of Devesh Chandra Thakur, who left his post as MLC after being elected to the Lok Sabha from Sitamarhi. Thakur’s tenure as MLC and his subsequent political success underscored the JDU’s enduring influence in the region. However, the current election presents a more competitive scenario.

Key Players and Their Backgrounds for Tirhut Graduate MLC By-poll:

JD(U) has given the ticket to Abhishek Jha, a Brahmin candidate, representing a strategic shift in JD(U)’s caste calculus. JDU’s consistent presence in power may work in his favor.

RJD has given the ticket to Gopi Kishan, who belongs to0 the Vaishya Community, which could help RJD consolidate its base among this influential group Jan Suraj Party has fielded  Dr. Vinayak Gautam, who represents the Bhumihar caste and brings the legacy of his father, former MLC Ramkumar Singh, and grandfather, former minister Raghunath Pandey.

His candidacy reflects Jan Suraj’s efforts to carve out a niche in Bihar politics under Prashant Kishor’s leadership.

Political Context in Tirhut Graduate MLC constituency:

The by-election is not just a test of candidate appeal but also a litmus test for the major parties’ strategies in post-parliamentary election Bihar.

With caste dynamics playing a pivotal role, the diverse backgrounds of the candidates ensure that each party will have to work hard to mobilize their support bases.

Jan Suraj’s entry unpredictability to the election, potentially splitting votes that might otherwise consolidate for JD(U) or RJD. This development also underscores Prashant Kishor’s ambition to challenge the traditional dominance of Bihar’s established political players.

Given that Tirhut has historically aligned with the NDA, it will be interesting to see if JD(U) can retain its grip or if RJD or Jan Suraj can capitalize on emerging shifts in voter sentiment.

The Tirhut Graduate MLC by-election is shaping up as a fascinating contest, with its historical alignment with the NDA and its importance as a key region in Bihar’s political landscape.

Devesh Chandra Thakur, a seasoned leader with two decades of work in the constituency, vacated the seat after being elected to the Lok Sabha, setting the stage for a closely watched by-election.

Voter Demographics of Tirhut Graduate MLC constituency:

The total voter in this constituency is 1,58,828 voters, with a significant gender gap— 107,401 male voters versus 47, 419 female voters.

The constituency spans four districts: Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Sitamarhi, and Sheohar, making it a diverse and challenging electoral landscape.

All candidates have pledged to address student grievances, improve university functioning, and provide better access to postgraduate education and employment opportunities.

Also Read: ECI issued the schedule for the MLC by-poll, voting will be held on December 5.

EOM.