RJD’s Faisal Rahman and Shamim Ahmed emerge as strong contenders challenging BJP dominance in East and West Champaran, with both constituencies witnessing intense contests and significant Muslim voter influence
NEW DELHI – With the voting for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections now concluded, the political atmosphere in the state is charged with anticipation. The results, scheduled for November 14, are being closely watched, especially in East and West Champaran, where two Muslim candidates—Faisal Rahman and Shamim Ahmed—are challenging long-standing BJP strongholds.
For the first time in many years, these constituencies are witnessing contests where Muslim candidates hold a decisive edge. The mood on the ground suggests a significant shift in voter sentiment.
“This time people are voting for development and justice, not just party lines,” said Mohammad Arif, a local teacher from Dhaka. “Faisal Rahman (RJD) has stood with the poor and marginalised, and people remember that.”
The Dhaka Assembly seat in East Champaran has become one of the most closely watched battlegrounds of this election. The fight is primarily between BJP’s Pawan Jaiswal and Rahman.
In the 2020 assembly elections, Jaiswal secured victory with 99,792 votes, while Rahman came a close second with 89,678—losing by a narrow margin. The total voter count then stood at 3,21,111, including approximately 32 per cent Muslim voters. However, the tide seems to have shifted. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, RJD led the BJP by more than 12,000 votes in the Dhaka constituency.
This year, voter turnout reached 64.66 per cent, suggesting renewed enthusiasm among supporters. “We are confident this time,” said Faisal Rahman while addressing a public gathering. “People have seen what hollow promises look like. They want real representation now.”
According to local reports, Faisal Rahman is expected to cross 100,000 votes this time, a number that could potentially tilt the outcome in his favour.
Local farmer Abdul Karim echoed the sentiment, saying, “Earlier we voted for the BJP because of Modi’s name, but now our problems are the same. Rahman listens to us.”
In the neighbouring Narkatia constituency, the battle has also intensified. Former minister and RJD leader Shamim Ahmed is once again in the fray, facing JDU’s Vishal Kumar, who is backed by the BJP and LJP as part of the NDA alliance.
Historically, Narkatia has been a strong seat for the RJD. In 2020, Ahmed secured 85,562 votes, while the JDU candidate received just 57,771. With 27 per cent Muslim voters and consistent voter participation above 63 per cent, the RJD’s organisational strength has remained steady.
“The people of Narkatia know who stood with them during tough times,” Shamim Ahmed said during a rally. “Our politics is about service, not slogans.”
The NDA, on the other hand, hopes that its unified front will consolidate votes that were previously divided when the LJP contested separately. However, many locals believe Ahmed’s personal connection with the voters could help him retain his edge. “Even though the NDA has joined hands, the ground reality is different,” said local shopkeeper Noor Hasan. “People trust Shamim Ahmed because he has delivered.”
The political landscape of East and West Champaran has long favoured the BJP. Yet, this election indicates a growing shift among voters, particularly in constituencies with substantial Muslim populations.
Both Faisal Rahman and Shamim Ahmed have managed to unite communities around local issues—employment, education, and communal harmony—rather than party ideology. Analysts suggest that this approach could redefine the region’s political balance.
Political observer Ajay Mishra remarked, “If both these RJD candidates manage to win, it will mark a new chapter in Champaran politics and send a strong message across Bihar.”
As counting day approaches, the excitement in both constituencies is palpable. From tea stalls to marketplaces, conversations revolve around whether these Muslim candidates can truly break the BJP’s decade-old hold.
“Champaran is ready for a change,” said journalist Rehan Qureshi. “The equation favours Faisal and Shamim this time. If they win, it will be a proud moment for Bihar’s Muslims and a message of unity and resilience.”
For now, all eyes are on November 14, when Bihar will learn whether the historic challenge posed by Faisal Rahman and Shamim Ahmed has transformed into victory.
