The Kahalgaon Assembly constituency in Bhagalpur district of Bihar is witnessing early political manoeuvres with Rajneesh Yadav, son of Jharkhand Minister Sanjay Yadav (Minister of Industries, Labour, Skill Development), actively lobbying for an RJD ticket. Rajneesh, who has been frequently touring the constituency, is positioning himself as RJD’s choice in the Mahagathbandhan seat-sharing talks.
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A Political Family Spanning Two States
Sanjay Yadav is a sitting RJD MLA from Godda, Jharkhand, and a minister in the Hemant Soren Government. His brother Manoj Yadav is JDU MLA from neighbouring Belhar in Banka district, and a former MLC from Bhagalpur-Banka seat. With Rajneesh eyeing Kahalgaon, the family could end up holding legislative representation in three different constituencies across two states, an unusual political scenario.
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Congress Stronghold Faces Challenge
Kahalgaon is historically a Congress bastion, having elected Congress candidates 13 times since 1951. It was long represented by veteran Sadanand Singh, who served as minister and Assembly Speaker. In 2020, BJP’s Pawan Yadav wrested the seat by defeating Sadanand’s son Shubhanand Mukesh. Since then, Shubhanand has joined JDU, leaving Congress with Praveen Kushwaha as its leading contender.
Decision of Mahagathbandhan is Awaiting
Seat-sharing negotiations within the Mahagathbandhan will determine whether Kahalgaon remains with Congress or goes to RJD. Politcal experts suggest that given Sanjay Yadav’s clout in Jharkhand and RJD’s efforts to expand its footprint in Bihar, Rajneesh stands a strong chance of being fielded if the seat comes under the RJD quota.
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Strategic Importance of Kahalgaon
Known for the NTPC power plant, the Vikramshila heritage site and Bathehswar Sthan on the Ganga, Kahalgaon carries economic and cultural weight. The region’s famed Langra mango and green chilli crops are exported to Bangladesh. With 3.25 lakh voters spread over three blocks and 43 panchayats, the seat remains a prestige battle for both Congress and RJD as they prepare for the 2025 Assembly elections.
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