Competition for election strategy and development intensifies in Begusarai, the industrial capital of Bihar.

Begusarai, October 21 (IANS). Begusarai, known as the industrial and financial capital of Bihar, is not only a historical city situated on the northern bank of the Ganga, but is also an important district headquarters among the 38 districts of the state. This city is an integral part of the Mithila region and is rich in cultural heritage. Established in 1870 as a subdivision of Munger district, Begusarai attained the status of a full district in 1972. The name is believed to be inspired by ‘Begum Sarai’, where Begum of Bhagalpur used to undertake religious pilgrimages at Simaria Ghat. Today, the district has emerged as an industrial hub with an agriculture-based economy between the flood-prone areas of Ganga, Budhi Gandak and Kareha-Bagmati. Hindi and Maithili are the most important languages ​​in Begusarai in terms of culture and economy. At the same time, agriculture is the backbone here, but Barauni Refinery gives revenue of hundreds of crores of rupees to the state annually. Apart from this, industries like Hindustan Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited and Thermal Power Plant create employment opportunities. Talking about the political scenario, in the beginning of the 20th century, the Bhumihar community was dominant, which continued to support the Congress and later JD(U). During the Communist Party of India (CPI) era, a wave of land reforms and social justice took place here. Later, Hindu nationalism got a boost here and the influence of CPI declined. Begusarai Assembly constituency, established in 1951, is one of the seven assembly constituencies of the Begusarai Lok Sabha, namely Cheriya Bariyarpur, Bachhwara, Teghra, Matihani, Sahabpur Kamal, Begusarai and Bakhri (SC). In 18 elections, Congress won eight times, BJP six times. CPI achieved three victories. The current MLA is Kundan Kumar of BJP, who defeated Amita Bhushan of Congress in 2020 by 4,554 votes. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Giriraj Singh got a lead of 25,633 votes from here. According to the 2024 report of the Election Commission, the total population of Begusarai assembly constituency is 5,94,850. Of these, the number of males is 3,13,988 and the number of females is 2,80,862. If we talk about voters, the total number of voters in Begusarai Assembly Constituency is 3,59,529, out of which the number of male voters is 1,89,692 and the number of female voters is 1,69,829, while there are 8 voters of third gender. Begusarai is a center of political unrest along with industrial development. The BJP relies on rural-urban support, while the opposition raises the issue of social justice. This seat could turn out to be decisive in the election battle. The NDA is in a strong position with its emphasis on development and infrastructure, but local discontent could pose a challenge. The role of Begusarai has always been important in the politics of Bihar. Let us tell you that the voting in Bihar elections is going on in two phases, November 6 and 11. The results of all seats will be announced on November 14. Voting in Begusarai is proposed in the first election phase. –IANS sch/vc