Magadh division returns to final-phase voting after 15 years

Gaya: After a long gap, Magadh division is set to vote in the final phase once again. The last time this region cast its ballots in the concluding round was back in 2010. Typically, the 26 assembly constituencies spread across the five districts of Magadh have gone to the polls in the earlier phases. This shift has sparked discussions among political observers and local leaders, with many wondering whether the final phase polling will influence the outcome in a region known for its electoral swings and strategic importance.In the 2020 elections, Magadh voted in the first phase of the three-phase election. In 2015, it was part of the second phase in a five-round poll process. Back in 2010, during the final phase of the six-stage election, the NDA achieved a near-total victory in the Magadh division, securing 24 out of 26 assembly seats. The RJD had managed to win only one seat—Belaganj—where party stalwart Surendra Prasad Yadav successfully retained his position. The other seat not won by the NDA was Obra, where independent candidate Somprakash defeated JD(U)’s Pramod Chandravanshi. In contrast, in 2020, when the area went to the poll in the first phase, the Mahagatbandhan won 20 of the 26 seats in the division. JD(U) drew a blank in all the five districts of the division and three seats each were won by the BJP and HAM (S).Now, the question being raised is whether the 2025 schedule will be more favourable to the NDA.Rai Madan Kishore, a former joint secretary-level officer in the Bihar govt who served extensively in Gaya district in various roles—including circle officer, SDO, DDC, and municipal commissioner, said it's difficult to say anything with certainty. "Any impact, if at all, is likely to be psychological," he noted, adding that psychological perceptions can sometimes influence the final outcome.According to activist John, a resident of the Anugrahpuri Colony, a locality in Gaya town, last round elections usually favour parties with more resources and better access to campaign tools. Such scheduling puts the less resourceful parties at a disadvantage, especially in a situation in which the contest is perceived to be tough. Magadh division falls in that category, felt the activist.NDA leaders including Prem Prakash, the BJP chief of Gaya district are optimistic about the final poll outcome in the Magadh region, particularly Aurangabad, Arwal and Jahanabad districts where NDA drew blank in 2020 assembly elections.“Election phase does not matter much as it is the voter base that is important. The NDA has make up the lost ground in the last five years with its performance under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and CM Nitish Kumar,” said Prem Prakash. Moreover, unlike 2020, Chiragh Paswan is now in the NDA further strengthening the alliance, the BJP leader felt.Senior Congress leader and former AICC member Vijay Kumar Mithu stated that the final phase of elections in the Magadh division is now a done deal, making further debate on the matter pointless. However, he criticised the Election Commission for breaking with tradition, arguing that such a departure lacks justification.