BSP factor, RJD rebel puzzle big players in Bihar-

NDA dominance in Madhubani’s Jnanjharpur faces challenge from RJD rebel strongman

- RAMASHANKAR

THE diminishing popularity of Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar, coupled with the entry of a rebel Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate in the Jhanjharpur Lok Sabha constituency, has intensified the poll battle in Bihar's Jhanjharpur Lok Sabha constituency.

Along with Supaul, Araria, Madhepura and Khagaria, Jhanjharpur will go to the polls in the third phase on May 7.

Jhanjharpur in Madhubani district is considered a stronghold of NDA as five of its six assembly segments are represented by BJP and JD(U) and only one by RJD. This time, Jhanjharpur is set to witness a triangular fight with the entry of rebel RJD candidate Gulab Yadav, who is contesting on the BSP ticket. Yadav, known for his muscle power in the region, had unsuccessfully contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on the ticket of RJD.

Once considered the stronghold of Janata Dal and RJD after the decline of Congress, Jhanjharpur has been represented in the past by Shyamnandan Mishra, Dr Jagannath Mishra, Bhogendra Jha, Dhanik Lal Mandal and Gaurishankar Rajhans, besides Devendra Prasad Yadav, who won five times from this seat on RJD and JD(U) tickets.