Voting Commences for Tirhut Graduate MLC By-Election in Bihar

Patna, Dec 5 (NationPress) The voting process for the Tirhut Graduate MLC by-election in Bihar is currently taking place, as voters are forming steady lines at polling stations this Thursday.

This election has captured considerable attention since the seat became vacant following Devesh Chandra Thakur's election to the Lok Sabha from Sitamarhi. The contest is characterized by a triangular rivalry among the JD(U), RJD, and Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraj Party.

The JD(U) has nominated Abhishek Jha, an upper caste candidate from a constituency that has been in their favor for the past 22 years.

During his campaign, he has concentrated on issues like employment for graduates, ensuring timely university sessions, facilitating postgraduate studies, and improving access to education loans.

Abhishek has criticized Prashant Kishor for allegedly contradicting his anti-dynasty rhetoric by nominating a candidate from a political lineage.

Gopi Kishan is the candidate from the RJD. He hails from the Vaishya community and emphasizes representing student interests, creating job opportunities, and enhancing communication between the government and the student body.

Dr. Vinayak Gautam is vying for the seat on behalf of the Jan Suraj Party. He belongs to the Bhumihar community and comes from a notable political background, being the son of former MLC Ramkumar Singh and the grandson of former Minister Raghunath Pandey. He aims to leverage his family's political capital to attract the strong Bhumihar voter base in the area.

Historically, Tirhut has shown preference for the NDA, with all seven MPs from this region affiliated with the alliance. Devesh Chandra Thakur, the former MLC, had a tenure exceeding two decades, closely working with Nitish Kumar to strengthen the party's foothold.

Prashant Kishor's involvement with a prominent candidate has introduced an element of suspense to the contest, which may potentially divide the traditional party vote base.

Both JD(U) and RJD candidates have underscored the importance of generating employment for unemployed graduates.

Commitments to ensure timely university sessions and facilitate postgraduate education are emphasized across both campaigns. Gopi Kishan has notably focused on empowering students to have a voice in policy-making.

JD(U)'s Abhishek Jha has pledged to streamline the loan application process for higher education.

The Tirhut graduate MLC constituency comprises 158,828 voters, including 107,401 male and 47,419 female voters.

This constituency encompasses four districts: Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Sitamarhi, and Sheohar, presenting a diverse and complex electoral landscape.

The counting of votes is scheduled for December 9.