RJD wins Bhojpur-Buxar MLC bypoll, NDA suffers first loss under CM Choudhary
Synopsis
Bihar's NDA suffered its first bypoll loss under Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary as RJD-backed Sonu Kumar Rai defeated JD(U)'s Kanhaiya Prasad by just 340 votes in the Bhojpur–Buxar MLC election. The narrow margin and the symbolism of a father-son political contest on opposite sides make this result a bellwether moment for Bihar's opposition.
Key Takeaways
Sonu Kumar Rai (RJD-Mahagathbandhan) won the Bhojpur–Buxar Local Authorities MLC bypoll on 14 May 2025 .
Rai defeated JD(U)'s Kanhaiya Prasad by 340 votes out of 5,956 votes cast .
This is the first electoral defeat for the NDA since Samrat Choudhary became Bihar Chief Minister.
The seat fell vacant after Radhacharan Seth — Kanhaiya Prasad's father — resigned upon being elected MLA.
RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav alleged EVM irregularities; the Election Commission of India has consistently denied such claims.
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-backed Mahagathbandhan candidate Sonu Kumar Rai won the Bhojpur–Buxar Local Authorities Legislative Council bye-election on 14 May 2025, handing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) its first electoral defeat since Samrat Choudhary took charge as Bihar Chief Minister. Rai defeated Janata Dal (United) nominee Kanhaiya Prasad by a margin of 340 votes in a closely fought contest.
Vote Count and Result
Of the 5,956 total votes cast, Rai secured 2,486 votes against Prasad's 2,146 votes. Independent candidate Manoj Upadhyay polled 636 votes, while 621 votes were declared invalid. The counting, conducted across 13 tables in two rounds, began at 8 am on Thursday. Rai maintained a consistent lead from the opening rounds, with RJD workers celebrating outside the counting centre as the trend became clear.
Background: Why the Seat Fell Vacant
The constituency had fallen vacant after sitting MLC Radhacharan Seth resigned following his election as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. The JD(U), as the dominant NDA partner in Bihar, fielded Kanhaiya Prasad — Seth's own son — in what was widely seen as a bid to retain the seat within the same political family. Despite the party's organisational weight behind him, Prasad fell short.
Who Is Sonu Kumar Rai
Rai is the son of former MLC Laldas Rai and has long been associated with the RJD and its leadership under Tejashwi Yadav. His victory continues a pattern of political succession within Bihar's established families, this time favouring the opposition bloc.
What the Parties Said
RJD Chief Spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav hailed the result, stating: 'Wherever elections are conducted through ballot papers, we will win.' He also alleged irregularities in elections conducted via Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) — a charge frequently raised by opposition parties but consistently denied by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Bihar State RJD spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed said the outcome reflected 'the public's enduring trust and support for the RJD,' calling it a clear affirmation from the people of Bhojpur and Buxar.
Political Significance
The result is being read as a meaningful morale boost for the Mahagathbandhan ahead of future electoral cycles in Bihar. Notably, this is the first bypoll loss for the NDA under Chief Minister Choudhary, making it a symbolic, if localised, setback. Local authority constituency elections draw a limited electorate of elected local body representatives rather than the general public, which can amplify swing effects. This comes amid broader opposition efforts to consolidate anti-NDA votes across Bihar's districts.
Point of View
Not the general public — limits how far this result can be extrapolated. But symbolism matters in Bihar politics, and the NDA losing its first bypoll under Choudhary gives the Mahagathbandhan a narrative it will amplify. The more telling detail is that JD(U) fielded the outgoing MLC's own son and still lost: incumbency and family name did not translate into votes even within a restricted electorate. The RJD's EVM allegation, trotted out again here, is a rhetorical fixture rather than a legal challenge — but it keeps the issue alive for a base that finds it persuasive.
NationPress
1 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Bhojpur-Buxar MLC bypoll in Bihar?
RJD-backed Mahagathbandhan candidate Sonu Kumar Rai won the Bhojpur–Buxar Local Authorities Legislative Council bye-election, defeating JD(U) nominee Kanhaiya Prasad by 340 votes. The result was declared on 14 May 2025.
Why was the Bhojpur-Buxar MLC seat vacant?
The seat fell vacant after sitting MLC Radhacharan Seth resigned following his election as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. JD(U) subsequently fielded his son, Kanhaiya Prasad, as its candidate.
What is the significance of this bypoll result for Bihar politics?
This is the first electoral defeat for the NDA since Samrat Choudhary assumed office as Bihar Chief Minister, making it a symbolic setback for the ruling alliance. It is being seen as a morale boost for the Mahagathbandhan ahead of future elections in the state.
What did the RJD say about the election result?
RJD Chief Spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav hailed the victory, saying 'Wherever elections are conducted through ballot papers, we will win.' He also alleged irregularities in EVM-based elections — a claim denied by the Election Commission of India.
Who is Sonu Kumar Rai?
Sonu Kumar Rai is the son of former MLC Laldas Rai and a long-standing associate of the RJD and its leadership under Tejashwi Yadav. His win continues a pattern of political succession within Bihar's established political families.
