As Bihar's legislative election fervor rises, PM Modi is launching a series of whirlwind tours. After focusing on Champaran, his attention now turns to the Magadh region. This Friday, Prime Minister Modi will gift Bihar and West Bengal with development opportunities. Starting his mission in Gaya, he plans to unveil initiatives worth over INR 13,000 crores to fortify the Magadh mission.
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation for over INR 18,200 crores in development projects in Bihar and West Bengal. These projects span electricity, connectivity, health, and public services. Furthermore, he will launch two Amrit Bharat trains, one connecting Delhi and Gaya and another linking Bihar with Jharkhand.
During his Bihar visit, PM Modi will traverse not only Gaya but also Patna and Begusarai districts. He aims to address a large gathering at Magadh University, strategizing to bolster BJP's standing in its traditionally weak Magadh stronghold, while energizing the party’s campaign in Munger. His visit coincides with opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav's voter rights tour in Bihar.
PM Modi's 'Mission Magadh'
BJP has historically found Magadh a difficult territory, but it’s striving persistently to secure its foothold here. By collaborating with leaders like Jitan Ram Manjhi, Upendra Kushwaha, and Chirag Paswan's parties, BJP aims to deepen its roots. PM Modi's developmental gifts to Bodh Gaya are part of this strategy. His visit will likely impact political dynamics from Magadh to the Munger region, collectively holding 48 assembly seats.
In previous elections, BJP was ousted from the Magadh belt, dominated by the Grand Alliance. Now, the alliance aims to retain its hold, while BJP is making a strategic push. As part of this effort, PM Modi has scheduled a rally in Gaya, aiming to utilize development initiatives to influence the political environment favorably towards BJP.
Understanding Magadh's Political Equation
Magadh is a political keystone in Bihar, encompassing 26 assembly seats. During the 2020 elections, the Grand Alliance claimed 20 seats, leaving just 6 for NDA. In the Gaya district, the Grand Alliance secured 5 out of 10 seats. Similar dominance was observed in Nawada, Aurangabad, Jehanabad, and Arwal.
In 2015, when Nitish Kumar allied with RJD, the results were unfavorable for NDA. The alliance won 21 out of 26 Magadh seats, while NDA claimed only 5. Conversely, in 2010, when JDU and BJP teamed up, they swept the region with 24 out of 26 seats, overwhelming RJD and other opponents.
In Lok Sabha elections, the Grand Alliance dominated Magadh’s seats, except Gaya. Aurangabad and Jehanabad remained with RJD. As a result, the 2025 assembly elections pose a significant challenge for NDA, prompting PM Modi's efforts to consolidate the Magadh belt before election declarations.
Understanding Munger's Political Dynamics
Adjacent to Bihar’s capital Patna, Munger is a battleground for NDA and the Grand Alliance. With a diverse voter base, encompassing upper caste and Yadav communities, Munger includes districts like Begusarai, Munger, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, and Jamui, tallying 22 assembly seats. In 2022, NDA won 13 of these, while the alliance took 9.
In 2015, with JDU partnering RJD, BJP was effectively vanquished. The alliance captured 19 seats, leaving NDA with only 3. But in 2010, when JDU and BJP united, NDA won 18 seats, while RJD secured just 4. PM Modi’s inauguration of a six-lane bridge in Begusarai is a strategic maneuver to influence the seat dynamics of the Munger belt.
The Political Intent Behind PM Modi’s Visit
Political analysts view PM Modi's Bihar tour as integral to NDA’s schemes. BJP faced setbacks in Magadh during past elections. With Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav actively engaging voters, PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar felt compelled to hit the ground. Hence, Modi’s Gaya corridor inauguration could hold strategic political advantages for NDA.
The Grand Alliance’s dominance in Magadh and Munger is a concern for NDA. Modi's visits to Gaya and Begusarai focus on retaining control where BJP already holds seats while strategizing realignments in the alliance territories. This is why PM Modi is immersing in efforts to anchor BJP's presence in the Magadh belt.
This marks PM Modi’s sixth visit to Bihar in an election year. BJP benefited from Nitish Kumar's presence in NDA, but suffered in 2015 when he departed. They gained from his return in 2020, yet his previous separation caused BJP challenges in Magadh in 2015.
