The Runnisaidpur assembly constituency came into existence in 1951, and since 1952, a total of 17 assembly elections have been held for this seat. In the initial years, the Congress party dominated this seat and achieved early successes.
Runnisaidpur: The fervor for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections has intensified, and all eyes are once again on the Runnisaidpur assembly seat. This constituency has always been a battlefield between caste equations and development issues. The roles of Yadav, Muslim, Brahmin, Kurmi, Paswan, and other OBC communities have been decisive here.
This seat, which came into existence in 1951, has witnessed 17 assembly elections since 1952. In the initial phase, Congress consistently won here, but later, the seat became a bhold of tussle between the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Janata Dal United (JDU). Both parties have won this seat three times each so far. Interestingly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not tasted victory here to date.
The Game of Caste Equations
To understand the politics of Runnisaidpur, it is essential to examine the caste balance here. The Yadav and Muslim communities have a b base, while Brahmins, Kurmis, Paswans, and other backward classes also play a decisive role. This is why elections here are often influenced by caste alliances and equations.
It is not just caste; local issues also play a significant role in elections. Floods, migration, roads, education, and the lack of health resources have been major concerns for the people here. Therefore, every time, candidates present development promises alongside caste politics.
Voter Demographics
In the 2020 assembly elections, the Runnisaidpur seat had 2,87,363 registered voters. Among them, Muslim voters numbered 42,529 (14.80%) and Scheduled Caste voters were 35,259 (12.27%). By the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the number of voters had increased to 2,91,217. However, due to migration, approximately 3,998 voters had moved out. The voter turnout percentage in this seat has always remained between 53% and 55%, indicating that slightly more than half of the voters cast their ballots on average.
2020 Assembly Election Results
- The contest in this constituency during the 2020 elections was extremely interesting.
- JDU candidate Pankaj Kumar Mishra registered a victory.
- He defeated RJD candidate Mangita Devi by 24,629 votes.
- Pankaj Kumar Mishra received a total of 73,205 votes, while Mangita Devi received 48,576 votes.
- This result indicates that the JDU, led by Nitish Kumar, secured victory by balancing caste equations and development promises.
2015 Assembly Election Results
- In 2015, the power equation on this seat was reversed.
- RJD's Mangita Devi emerged victorious.
- She defeated Pankaj Kumar Mishra of the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) by 14,110 votes.
- Mangita Devi received a total of 55,699 votes, while Pankaj Mishra received 41,589 votes.
- This election signaled a strengthening of caste equations in favor of the RJD.
2010 Assembly Election Results
- In 2010, the Janata Dal United claimed this seat.
- JDU candidate Guddi Devi registered a victory.
- She defeated RJD candidate Ram Shatrughan Rai by 10,759 votes.
- Guddi Devi secured 36,125 votes, while Ram Shatrughan Rai received 25,366 votes.
- This was a period reflecting Nitish Kumar's popularity, with the JDU receiving immense support across the state.
What will be the equations in 2025?
Now, in the 2025 elections, a rematch between RJD and JDU can be anticipated on the Runnisaidpur seat. The JDU will aim to repeat the victory of its current MLA, Pankaj Kumar Mishra. Meanwhile, the RJD will bet on consolidating caste equations and its b ground presence to reclaim this seat.
The BJP has not been able to win this seat so far, but if it becomes part of the NDA in 2025, it could indirectly benefit through an alliance with the JDU. On the other hand, the Congress or Left parties are rarely seen as direct contenders here.
