In a politically significant move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a rally in Bihar’s Bikramganj on Friday—his first visit to the state since the India-Pakistan conflict. While the event will feature the unveiling of development projects worth over ₹48,500 crore, the choice of venue speaks volumes about BJP’s strategic intent. The rally marks a determined attempt by the NDA to regain the trust of voters in Bihar’s Magadh-Shahabad region—a belt that proved costly for the alliance in both the 2020 assembly polls and the 2024 general elections.
Strategic Location and Past Losses
Bikramganj falls under the Karakat assembly segment, where the BJP suffered a decisive defeat in the 2020 Bihar assembly elections. The seat was won by Arun Singh of CPI(ML)L, who garnered 82,700 votes, while BJP’s Rajeshwar Raj trailed with 64,511. But it’s not just Karakat that stung the NDA. The larger Magadh-Shahabad region—which includes districts like Jehanabad, Patliputra, Buxar, and Sasaram—turned into a political hurdle for the alliance. In the 2020 assembly elections, the NDA failed to secure even a single assembly seat in four Lok Sabha constituencies of this region. Out of 55 assembly seats in the Shahabad-Magadh belt, NDA could win only 10, with BJP securing just five of them.
The 2024 Lok Sabha polls followed a similar pattern. The NDA lost 10 seats in Bihar, and a staggering seven of these were from the Magadh-Shahabad belt. This consistent underperformance has triggered a course correction, with the BJP now bringing in its most influential campaigner—Prime Minister Modi—to make a direct appeal to voters ahead of the next big election.
Nationalism and Development as Twin Pillars
PM Modi’s rally is expected to blend themes of nationalism and development. Posters bearing slogans like “Na Desh Jhukega, Na Bihar Ka Vikas Rukega” are prominently visible in the region, often featuring Modi’s image alone—conspicuously leaving out Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, traditionally showcased in NDA’s state campaigns.
The prime minister will lay foundation stones and inaugurate multiple infrastructure projects, including the Patna-Gaya-Dobhi four-lane road, an elevated road in Gopalganj, and automatic block signalling upgrades near Sasaram. These efforts are seen as part of a broader strategy to address local grievances, counter anti-incumbency, and present a reinvigorated NDA ahead of the upcoming elections.
The rally is not just a show of strength but a critical effort to bridge the growing disconnect between the NDA and voters in one of Bihar’s most electorally sensitive belts.
