Voting of Tirhut Graduate MLC by-poll was conducted peacefully, ECI registered 47.50% polling.
Patna December 5, 2024: The polling for the Tirhut Graduate MLC by-election concluded peacefully on Thursday.
The Election Commission has seen a significant voter turnout of 47.50%, slightly surpassing the 2020 election figure of 45.20% during the polling till 4 PM.
Tirhut Graduate MLC constituency comprises four districts—Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur, and Vaishali.
A total of 1 lakh, 54 thousand 828 graduate voters were eligible for votes including 107,401 male and 47,419 female voters and the result will be announced on December 9, 2024.
The Election Commission established a total of 89 polling centres and 106 sub-polling centres in these four districts.
Candidates in the Fray Tirhut Graduate MLC by-poll:
During the by-poll, 18 candidates were in the fray but the main contest happened among candidates from JD(U), RJD, and Jan Suraj Party.
Abhishek Jha represents the Brahmin community as the JD(U) candidate and comes from a party with a stronghold on this seat for 22 years.
JD(U)Candidate Abhishek Jha exuded confidence, declaring no competition strong enough to challenge his victory.
Gopi Kishan, a RJD candidate from the Vaishya community banking on the increased acceptability of the RJD under Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership.
-RJD, Spokesperson Chittranjan Gagan asserted Gopi Kishan’s victory, attributing it to growing support for Tejashwi Yadav’s governance and the rejection of money power in the election.
“Our candidate secured over 50% of votes across all four districts and he will register a land-side victory. The growing popularity among young voters to Tejashwi Yadav’s governance and development work has bolstered their acceptability,” Gagan said.
Dr. Vinayak Gautam Jan Suraj Party, Represents the Bhumihar community, hailing from a well-established political family in the region.
The seat was vacated after Devesh Chandra Thakur JD(U) was elected to the Lok Sabha from Sitamarhi in the recently concluded parliamentary election.
Each major candidate appeals to a distinct community, reflecting Bihar’s caste-driven political landscape. The Brahmin, Vaishya, and Bhumihar vote banks will play a decisive role.
Political Symbolism of Tirhut Graduate MLC by-poll:
The seat has traditionally been a JD(U) stronghold, and its outcome could indicate whether the party retains its influence or cedes ground to RJD or newer entrants like the Jan Suraj Party.
A strong RJD performance would bolster the INDIA coalition ahead of the 2025 assembly elections, while a JD(U) win would reinforce its organizational strength under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
With both major parties expressing confidence and claiming significant voter support, the vote counting on December 9th will reveal whether JD(U)’s youth-centric appeal has reshaped the political landscape.
EOM.