The Chapra Assembly seat in Bihar is witnessing intense political competition this election season. With its historical and political significance, Chapra is one of the most talked-about constituencies in the state. The seat is currently under the spotlight as the counting of votes for the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election begins. This year, the battle is between Bhojpuri film star Khesari Lal Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Chhoti Kumari from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Khesari Lal, a newcomer to politics, is looking to make a mark in his first electoral contest, while Chhoti Kumari seeks to retain the seat for BJP.
Key Contestants: Khesari Lal Yadav vs. Chhoti Kumari
In Chapra, the political dynamics are intense, as the seat has traditionally been a battleground between major political forces. Khesari Lal Yadav, known for his popular presence in the Bhojpuri industry as an actor and singer, is making his debut in politics, contesting on an RJD ticket. On the other hand, Chhoti Kumari, representing the BJP, is contesting with the aim to secure a win for her party and continue the BJP’s hold on the seat.
The BJP has previously held the Chapra seat in the 2020 and 2015 Assembly elections. In 2020, the seat was won by the sitting BJP MLA, Dr. C.N. Gupta. This year, however, the BJP has fielded Chhoti Kumari in place of Dr. Gupta, who has represented the constituency for several terms. The challenge, therefore, is not only political but also personal, as both candidates carry their unique influence and support base.
Initial Trends and Counting Updates
As the counting of votes progresses, the race for the Chapra seat is too close to call. The early rounds of counting have shown fluctuating trends. Initially, Khesari Lal Yadav of RJD had a slight lead, but Chhoti Kumari of the BJP soon overtook him. At 8:15 AM, the trend was in favor of BJP, with Chhoti Kumari taking the lead. However, by 9:48 AM, the situation seemed to be shifting again, with Chhoti Kumari maintaining her lead over Khesari Lal.
The results of the Chapra Assembly election are crucial, as they will reflect the political pulse of the region. As the day progresses, all eyes are on the counting process, and updates continue to pour in. The outcome of this election is expected to influence the future political landscape of Bihar, especially given the prominence of the BJP and RJD in the state.
The Political History of Chapra
Chapra holds immense historical and political significance in Bihar. It is not just a vital political seat but also a region with a rich cultural heritage. Located at the confluence of the Ghaghara and Ganga rivers, Chapra has a deep-rooted history dating back to ancient times. Experts suggest that the area was once part of the ancient Kosala Kingdom. The region is home to many ancient temples, and it is believed that the famous Ambika Bhawani Temple in Chapra is the site of Raja Daksha’s Yajna Kund. According to local legends, when Daksha insulted Lord Shiva, Goddess Sati threw herself into the fire at this very spot.
Historically, Chapra was an important administrative center during the Mughal period, as documented in Emperor Akbar’s reign. The region was one of the six revenue divisions, or ‘Sarkars,’ under Akbar’s empire, and it has remained a key player in Bihar’s politics ever since.
Political Landscape of Chapra
Since its inception in 1957, the Chapra seat has witnessed a variety of political shifts. Over the years, the seat has been a battleground for several prominent political parties. The Congress party secured victories here four times, with the last win being in 1972. The Bharatiya Janata Party, including its predecessor, the Bharatiya Janata Sangh, has also won this seat four times. In recent years, the BJP has seen consistent success, with Dr. C.N. Gupta winning the seat twice in 2015 and 2020.
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has been another significant player in Chapra’s political history. While RJD candidates have won the seat on several occasions, the party’s last victory here was in 2010. The constituency has also seen independent candidates and smaller parties like the Janata Dal (United), Praja Socialist Party, and the defunct Janata Party make their mark.
Chapra’s Changing Political Allegiances
Chapra’s political landscape has been dynamic over the years, with changing allegiances and shifts in voter sentiment. The region has seen both the Congress and the BJP hold sway at different points. The RJD’s prominent leader, Lalu Prasad Yadav, won the Chapra/Saran Lok Sabha seat four times, reflecting his strong presence in the region. However, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, his daughter Rohini Acharya faced defeat against BJP’s Rajeev Pratap Rudy, who has won the seat five times, including a hat-trick of victories in 2014, 2019, and 2024.
Historical Election Results in Chapra
In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, BJP’s Dr. C.N. Gupta emerged victorious from Chapra with a total of 75,710 votes. He defeated RJD’s Ranadhir Kumar Singh, who secured 68,939 votes. The other independent candidate, Sunil Kumar, received 6,062 votes. The election results reflected a strong performance by BJP, further solidifying its position in the state.
The 2025 Chapra Assembly election results are still unfolding, but they are set to shape the political future of the region. As the counting progresses, both RJD’s Khesari Lal Yadav and BJP’s Chhoti Kumari are vying for a win that could mark a significant turning point in their political careers. For the people of Chapra, the outcome of this election holds the promise of new leadership and a changing political landscape.
With each passing hour, the tension rises as supporters of both parties eagerly await the final results. Whether Khesari Lal can ride his popularity from Bhojpuri cinema to a successful political debut, or whether Chhoti Kumari can secure a win for BJP, only time will tell. Stay tuned for live updates as the results for Chapra’s seat continue to unfold.
