3 Darbhanga seats to see triangular contest

DARBHANGA: Widely known for the two universities—Lalit Narayan Mithila University (LNMU) and Kameshwar Singh Darbhnaga Sanskrit University (KSDSU)—

Darbhanga

will go to the polls in the second and third phase. Out of 10 assembly segments in the district, five including Darbhanga rural, Benipur, Alinagar, Gaurabauram and Kusheshwar Asthan (Reserved), will go to the polls in the second phase scheduled on November 3.

The twin township of Laheriasarai and Drabhanga have a long cultural history and have been an integral part of Mithilanchal.

Darbhanga Rural: Five term RJD MLA Lalit Yadav is facing a tough fight against JD(U) nominee Faraj Fatmi, son of former RJD MP and JD(U) member Mohd Ali Ashraf Fatmi. Yadav had a cakewalk for all the five terms due to M (Muslim)-Y (Yadav) equation. However, Faraj, it seems is a force to reckon with this time. Meanwhile, LJP has fielded Pradip Kumar Thakur, an old BJP warhorse, who has been denied ticket, making the contest triangular. Altogether, seven candidates are in the fray.

Benipur: This constituency is witnessing a triangular contest between Binay Kumar Chaudhary of JD(U), Mithilesh Chaudhary of Congress and Kamal Ram Binod Jha of LJP. Binay was made JD(U) district president last year and then fielded from this constituency represented by Sunil Chaudhary in the last election. Mithilesh is considered close to Kirti Azad, who is campaigning for him. While 14 candidates are in the fray, triangular contest is between the three Brahmin candidates.

Alinagar: Mishri Lal Yadav, an RJD-turned BJP worker, joined VIP and got ticket from the party for this segment. The other main contenders are Binod Mishra from RJD and Ram Kumar Jha of LJP. Abdul Bari Siddiqui of RJD represented this segment, which came into existence in 2010 after delimitation. A Brahmin fielded by RJD speaks volumes because maithil Brahmins reside in a large number in this area. Total 10 candidates are in the fray from this segment.

Gaura Bauram: Altogether 24 candidates are in fray from this assembly segment necessitating two ballot units on each booth. Mukesh Sahnis’s VIP has fielded Shwarna Singh, while RJD has fielded Afzal ali Khan and LJP has fielded Rajiv Kumar Thakur. The seat is presently represented by JD (U)’s former minister Madan Sahni.

Kusheshwar Asthan (Reserved): Altogether 15 candidates are in the electoral race from this assembly segment this time. Dr Ashok Kumar of Congress, Sashi Bhushan Hazari of JD (U), Punam Kumari of LJP and other 12 candidates as Independents or lesser known parties are in the ray.