Community leaders, voters, and parties stress unity, development, and representation as the three-way contest intensifies ahead of crucial assembly elections
KISHANGANJ — The Kochadhaman Assembly seat, located in Bihar’s Seemanchal region, has emerged as one of the most closely watched constituencies in the state. With Muslims comprising nearly 72 percent of the electorate, the constituency which goes to the polls on November 11, has become a political battleground where representation and community voice are at stake.
Kochadhaman, situated along the Bihar–West Bengal border, represents a mix of cultures, languages, and faiths. Yet, in political terms, its influence extends far beyond its geographical boundaries. Historically, every election here has mirrored the aspirations and loyalties of Bihar’s Muslim community.
In the 2020 assembly elections Mohammad Izhar Asfi of the All India Majlis Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) made a historic debut by defeating JD-U’s Mujahid Alam with a margin of over 36,000 votes. Asfi secured 79,893 votes, while Mujahid Alam received 43,750. The victory was hailed as a breakthrough for the AIMIM, signalling its entry into Bihar’s political mainstream.
Local voter Feroz Akhtar recalled, “It was the first time we felt our voice reached Patna through a party that spoke directly for Muslims. Asfi Sahib gave people hope.”
However, AIMIM’s initial success was followed by a political shift. Four of its five MLAs later joined the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), weakening AIMIM’s grassroots presence. This has made the 2025 contest unpredictable, with stakes higher than ever.
The three-way battle now features AIMIM attempting to retain its foothold with Mohammad Izhar Asfi seeking re-election. RJD has fielded former MLA Mujahid Alam, who remains a familiar face with strong local ties and a track record of development work. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Veena Devi, a fresh entrant hoping to make inroads in a Muslim-majority constituency.
Political observer Mohammad Irfan explained, “The triangle is clear — BJP is aiming for a split in Muslim votes, RJD wants consolidation, and AIMIM hopes to keep its old ground. Whoever unites the Muslim vote will win Kochadhaman.”
For locals, the debate extends beyond party symbols. Key issues such as unemployment, poor infrastructure, migration, and lack of educational facilities dominate discussions.
Rukhsana Begum, a schoolteacher in Kochadhaman, said, “Our youth are forced to migrate to Delhi and Mumbai for work. Politicians come during elections but forget us later.”
Despite repeated promises from successive governments, roads remain in poor condition, healthcare facilities are inadequate, and opportunities for local youth are limited. A trader from Bahadurganj said, “Whoever wins must understand — we don’t just need speeches, we need results.”
Fielding a BJP candidate in a constituency with over 70 percent Muslim voters is seen as a bold, yet controversial, strategy. BJP leaders claim that their campaign is inclusive. Veena Devi told local media, “People want change. I’m here to serve every community without discrimination.”
Critics, however, see it differently. A local Congress worker argued, “The BJP’s candidate is symbolic. Their real aim is to divide votes between RJD and AIMIM.”
AIMIM faces a challenging battle to retain Kochadhaman, as RJD has returned with a stronger campaign. The party is emphasising the traditional Muslim-Yadav alliance. An RJD spokesperson in Kishanganj said, “The Muslim-Yadav bond is unbreakable. Kochadhaman will return to the Grand Alliance.”
Meanwhile, AIMIM remains confident. “People know who speaks for their rights. AIMIM stands with the poor Muslims, not power-hungry politicians,” said an AIMIM district leader.
The significance of Kochadhaman goes beyond one seat. Across Bihar, Muslims influence around 40 to 50 assembly constituencies, but their power is most visible here. Political strategist Saba Anwar noted, “If Muslims stay united behind one candidate, no power can defeat them. But if the vote splits, the BJP will walk away with the prize.”
As campaigning intensifies, all eyes remain on Kochadhaman. The outcome will not only decide the constituency but could also shape political narratives for the entire Seemanchal region and, perhaps, for Bihar as a whole.
