Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is intensely focused on his home district of Nalanda, conducting a series of rallies and roadshows in the run-up to the 2025 Bihar elections. This concentrated effort across all seven assembly constituencies marks a departure from his usual campaign strategy, highlighting the strategic importance of Nalanda as he seeks to secure his political future and legacy at the age of 74.
The need for such a robust campaign stems from a quantifiable decline in electoral performance within Nalanda. Statistics from the Election Commission reveal a consistent reduction in the victory margins for Nitish Kumar’s party, the JD (U), over the past four assembly elections. The average margin of victory has significantly decreased from 21.17 percent in 2005 to just 9.06 percent in 2020, indicating a gradual weakening of his party’s hold on the district.
This shift means that Nalanda, once a bastion of unwavering support for Kumar, is now presenting a more challenging electoral landscape. Local sentiment reflects this evolving political mood. While some residents recall and appreciate his early developmental work and initiatives for women, others feel a disconnect with current elected officials and a decline in the vibrancy of his political appeal. However, a substantial segment of the population still credits him with bringing stability and development to the region.
The historical election data underscores this trend: average JD (U) victory margins in Nalanda dropped from 21.17 percent in 2005 to 15.88 percent (2010), 7.64 percent (2015), and 9.06 percent (2020). This pattern is mirrored in parliamentary elections, where the margin of victory for the JD (U) in the Nalanda Lok Sabha constituency decreased by 10 percentage points between 2019 and 2024.
In the upcoming 2025 assembly elections, the JD (U) will contest six seats in Nalanda, with an alliance partner contesting one. Several constituencies, including Asthawan and Islampur, are poised for close contests, reflecting the increased political competition. The presence of the BJP in key areas like Bihar Sharif also signifies the complex coalition dynamics.
While the JD (U) won five of Nalanda’s seven seats in 2020, the diminishing margins are a cause for concern for Nitish Kumar. His visible and sustained campaign efforts in his home district signal an awareness of the challenges ahead, positioning Nalanda as a critical proving ground for his continued political relevance.