Why Nitish Kumar Chose Tirhut-Saran for ‘Samriddhi Yatra’: Understanding the Political Calculation

Patna, Bihar: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has chosen the Tirhut and Saran divisions as the starting point of his upcoming ‘Samriddhi Yatra’, a move that goes beyond a routine administrative visit and reflects a carefully crafted political strategy. These regions, with their vast population, complex caste dynamics, and historical electoral significance, are central to both development and political consolidation.

Tirhut and Saran: Key Political Battlegrounds

The Tirhut and Saran divisions have historically been considered the political power corridors of Bihar. Beginning the Samriddhi Yatra from these areas—set to commence on 16 January—signals a calculated effort to strengthen political influence. Districts like Muzaffarpur in Tirhut and Chhapra in Saran are not only economic hubs but also pivotal constituencies that shape state-level politics. Through this journey, Nitish Kumar aims to engage with key caste groups, reinforce public trust, and consolidate his performance from the 2024 Lok Sabha and 2025 Assembly elections.

In total, the two divisions cover 73 assembly constituencies, most of which are currently held by the NDA.

Tirhut: The Stronghold

The Tirhut division comprises districts such as Muzaffarpur (11 seats), East Champaran (12), West Champaran (9), Sitamarhi (8), Sheohar (1), and Vaishali (8). The NDA maintained dominance here during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and voters have repeatedly endorsed Nitish Kumar’s governance in the 2020 and 2025 Assembly polls. Out of 49 assembly seats, the majority are with the NDA. The mix of Vaishya, upper-caste, and backward communities makes Tirhut a political hotspot. By starting the Yatra here, Nitish Kumar seeks to secure his strongest base and reinforce confidence in his leadership.

Saran: Bridging Development and Caste Politics

The Saran division includes Saran/Chhapra (10 seats), Siwan (8), and Gopalganj (6), totaling 24 constituencies, most of which are under NDA control. Once a stronghold of Lalu Prasad Yadav, the region witnessed a strong NDA comeback in 2025 after a tight contest in 2020. The electorate here, including Yadav, Rajput, and Muslim communities, plays a crucial role in shaping outcomes. By engaging directly with these areas, Nitish Kumar signals his intent to reach every social group through development initiatives, while attempting to chip away at the opposition’s traditional vote banks.

Calculated Outreach

Nitish Kumar’s approach is simple: where population is dense, communication must be intensive. Tirhut and Saran together represent a significant portion of Bihar’s population. With immense potential in infrastructure, road connectivity, and agro-based industries, these divisions are ideal for showcasing development. By launching the Samriddhi Yatra here, Nitish Kumar emphasizes that his priority is advancing growth in the regions that contributed most to his two-thirds majority in 2025.

The journey is both a developmental initiative and a political strategy, aimed at consolidating support, managing caste equations, and reinforcing the NDA’s dominance in Bihar.