Seemanchal's 24 Seats Crucial in Bihar Polls

Bihar's Seemanchal belt, with 24 seats, is reshaping state politics.

- TIKAM SHARMA

The Seemanchal belt of Bihar has swiftly emerged as one of the most dynamic political battlegrounds, with the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan stepping up their campaigns through back-to-back rallies, welfare schemes, and high-profile visits.

The contest has grown even more complex following the entry of Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraj and Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM, which has effectively turned the fight into a four-cornered electoral battle.

Although Seemanchal accounts for just 24 Assembly seats spread across the districts of Kishanganj, Araria, Katihar, and Purnia, experts underline that the region often holds disproportionate influence in shaping Bihar's overall election outcome.

The demographic composition makes it particularly significant, with Muslims forming a majority in Kishanganj at over 60%, about 45% in Araria, more than 40% in Katihar, and around 30% in Purnia.