In a significant display of political urgency, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has launched an intensive campaign blitz across Nalanda, his home turf, in the lead-up to the 2025 state elections. This isn’t just a routine election tour; Kumar is personally engaging in roadshows and rallies throughout all seven assembly constituencies, a level of dedication rarely seen in previous elections for his home district.
The rationale behind this deep dive into Nalanda, a district long considered his unbreachable political citadel, stems from concerning electoral trends. Analysis of Election Commission data over the last four assembly elections shows a steady narrowing of victory margins for his party, the Janata Dal (United) or JD (U). The average winning percentage has declined significantly, from a commanding 21.17 percent in 2005 to a much leaner 9.06 percent in 2020.
This gradual erosion of support has transformed Nalanda, once a symbol of Nitish Kumar’s political invincibility, into a complex electoral battlefield. Public opinion within the district reflects this shift. While some residents acknowledge Kumar’s past contributions to development and women’s empowerment, they also express a sense of growing distance from elected representatives and a fading of the initial enthusiasm for his leadership. Others, however, staunchly defend his record, attributing stability and progress to his governance.
The historical election data paints a clear picture of this electoral evolution. The JD (U)’s impressive 21.17 percent average victory margin in 2005 fell to 15.88 percent in 2010, then to 7.64 percent in 2015, and hovered just above 9 percent in 2020. Even parliamentary contests have seen a similar trend, with the JD (U)’s winning margin in the Nalanda Lok Sabha seat shrinking by 10 percentage points between 2019 and 2024.
For the 2025 assembly elections, the JD (U) is contesting six seats in Nalanda, with the BJP fielding a candidate in one. The electoral map includes tight contests in key constituencies like Asthawan and Islampur, where past elections have been decided by narrow margins. The BJP’s continued strength in Bihar Sharif adds another layer to the political dynamics.
Although the JD (U) secured a majority of seats in Nalanda in 2020, the shrinking margins are a clear indicator that Nitish Kumar cannot afford complacency. His intensive focus on his home district suggests a critical assessment of his political strength, making Nalanda a pivotal proving ground for his enduring legacy in the upcoming polls.