Motihari, October 31 (IANS). Motihari constituency of East Champaran district of Bihar is not only the historical city of the freedom struggle but has also become a major battleground in the 2025 elections. The name of Motihari is associated with the freedom struggle. The city, once the headquarters of the united Champaran district, was divided into East and West Champaran in 1972. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who returned from South Africa in 1917, started the first Satyagraha against the indigo cultivation imposed by the British owners here. This rebellion against the exploitation of farmers was not only local, but three decades later also became the foundation of India’s independence. It is said that ‘Had Champaran not existed, Gandhi would not have become a Mahatma.’ Even today, Gandhi Ashram, Bhitiharwa and Neelha monuments remind tourists of history. This legacy creates a sense of pride in voters, who expect justice and development from candidates. Champaran Satyagraha not only countered British exploitation but also laid the foundation of India’s independence. Even today, places like Gandhi Ashram and Bhitiharwa remind tourists and voters of history. If we talk about electoral history, Motihari has been a stronghold of Congress. Between 1952–1980, the Congress won seven out of eight elections, except in 1969 when the Jana Sangh emerged victorious. The Communist Party of India (CPI) was dominant in the 1980s, with leader Triveni Tiwari winning three terms in 1985–1995. RJD caught in 2000 but from 2005 BJP won the fort. The current MLA Pramod Kumar won four consecutive times in 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020. Each time his margin increased. In 2020, he defeated RJD’s Om Prakash Chaudhary by 14,645 votes. While in East Champaran Lok Sabha constituency (with 6 seats) BJP won 4 seats in 2020, JDU 1 and RJD 1 seat. BJP takes lead in 5 in 2024 Lok Sabha. According to the Election Commission data, the total population of the assembly constituency is 5,45,580, of which 2,87,014 are males and 2,58,566 are females. The number of voters is 3,31,575, of which 1,76,024 are men, 1,55,542 are women and 9 belong to the third category. This rural-dominated seat had a voter turnout of 59.67 percent (2020), making the role of youth and women voters crucial. The issues in the area are rural, including flood control, erosion of the Gandak River, unemployment, migration (75 lakh Biharis are out) and agricultural distress. Voting in the second phase of Bihar elections in Motihari is on November 11, while the results will be announced on November 14. –IANS SCH/DKP