As the Bihar assembly elections draw closer, the political scene is heating up with strategic planning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Bihar, focusing on both development initiatives and electoral strategies. His rally in Siwan, the former stronghold of the controversial figure Shahabuddin, will target not only Siwan but also the adjacent districts of Saran and Gopalganj. The BJP aims to challenge the dominance of the RJD, particularly in the Saran division, traditionally a key support base for Lalu Prasad Yadav.
The Prime Minister’s itinerary includes engagements across Bihar, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. The visit to Bihar is crucial, given the upcoming assembly elections in October-November. The NDA, led by the BJP, currently governs Bihar, and PM Modi is keen to reinforce its position.
During his visit to Siwan, PM Modi will inaugurate development projects worth ₹5,736 crore, including the launch of the Vande Bharat train between Patna and Gorakhpur. Further, he will lay the foundation stone for a 500 MW battery energy storage system. Other projects encompass water supply, sanitation, and STP initiatives valued at over ₹3,000 crore. The PM will also oversee the release of the first installment to over 53,600 PM Awas Yojana beneficiaries and distribute keys to 6,684 urban poor families.
The BJP’s strategy extends to consolidating its position in the Saran belt, with PM Modi addressing a massive public gathering in Siwan district. Political observers interpret this as an attempt to sway the political landscape in Saran, Siwan, and Gopalganj. This area is an RJD stronghold and the location of the rally is strategic. The 2020 assembly elections saw the Mahagathbandhan secure 16 out of 24 seats in the Saran belt.
The RJD’s stronghold in the Saran division, which includes Siwan, Saran, and Gopalganj, poses a significant challenge to the BJP. The region has a considerable Muslim population and Yadav voters are crucial. The presence of Shahabuddin’s legacy in Siwan, Lalu Yadav’s influence in Chhapra, and the RJD’s dominance in Gopalganj add complexity to the political landscape. Despite these challenges, the NDA is hoping the Prime Minister’s visit will bring new impetus.
To ensure the success of PM Modi’s rally, the party has mobilized NDA leaders across Siwan, Gopalganj, and Saran. Analysts believe that the rally in Siwan is particularly important given the electoral dynamics of the Saran division, where the Mahagathbandhan enjoys greater support than the NDA. The Prime Minister’s rally is considered to be a significant strategy for shifting the political environment and mobilizing public support for the NDA.