Bihar Elections: Seemanchal Turns Political Battleground as Modi, Tejashwi, and Owaisi Eye 24 Key Seats

As the Bihar elections enter their second phase, all eyes are fixed on Seemanchal, the region that holds the key to power with its 24 crucial assembly seats. Political heavyweights from both alliances, the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan, along with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, have set up base camps here, recognizing Seemanchal’s decisive influence on the state’s political future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, buoyed by massive crowds in his rallies, claims the public enthusiasm clearly indicates the upcoming verdict. He has launched several development projects, including inaugurating Purnia Airport’s terminal building and ₹4,000 crore worth of infrastructure schemes, while also emphasizing the issue of alleged “illegal infiltration.” Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav is rallying the youth with promises of employment, urging them to “press the button on the lantern symbol” for change. Demographically, Seemanchal’s strength lies in its large Muslim population, 67% in Kishanganj, 42% in Katihar, 41% in Araria, and 37% in Purnia making it a unique electoral hotspot. In the last election, NDA won 12 of 24 seats, the Mahagathbandhan secured 7, and Owaisi’s AIMIM made a strong debut with 5. As leaders battle for dominance, Seemanchal has become a test of political narratives, development versus identity, and promises versus past performance.