Govindganj Voting Live: Raju Tiwari of LJP(R) Faces Tough Contest Against Congress’ Gappu Rai

East Champaran, Bihar: Voting is underway at the high-profile Govindganj Assembly seat, witnessing a keen triangular contest. The constituency, a traditional stronghold of the Brahmin community, is seeing voters focus on pressing local issues such as floods, erosion, and migration, while balancing long-standing caste considerations.

As of now, 59.44% of voters have cast their ballots, with women showing remarkable enthusiasm. Security measures are stringent, ensuring a smooth voting process across polling stations.

The Contestants and the Stakes
This election features a triangular fight:

• Raju Tiwari, State President of LJP(Ram Vilas) representing the NDA,
• Shashi Bhushan Rai (Gappu Rai) from Congress under the Mahagathbandhan, and
• Krishnakant Mishra from Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraj Party, offering an alternative to traditional party lines.

Historically, the constituency has been dominated by the Brahmin community, which constitutes 22% of the voters. Out of 18 elections since independence, 15 have returned Brahmin legislators. This year, the contest has been framed as “local vs outsider”, with Congress’ Gappu Rai portraying Tiwari as an outsider from Gorakhpur, while Tiwari asserts that he has support across communities, citing his record victory in 2015 despite the Mahagathbandhan wave.

Jan Suraj Party: A New Alternative
Krishnakant Mishra and the Jan Suraj Party are positioning themselves as a non-traditional choice, appealing to voters dissatisfied with established parties. They argue that the electorate is seeking solutions to real issues, not merely allegiance to contractors or party colors.

Voter Sentiment and Key Issues
The electorate remains divided. In local markets, NDA and Mahagathbandhan support is visible, while villages along the Gandak River show a tilt toward Jan Suraj, driven by ongoing grievances over floods and erosion causing yearly displacement. Analysts note that the real issues of floods, river erosion, and employment may test the long-standing Brahmin dominance in the constituency.

Voting continues amid high voter enthusiasm and tight security arrangements. Observers will be watching closely to see whether developmental concerns outweigh caste loyalties in this high-stakes triangular contest.