In the Bihar Assembly elections 2025, everyone’s eyes were on one name for Chanpatia seat –
Tripurari Kumar Tiwari alias Manish Kashyap, who has been recognized on social media as “Son of Bihar”, “YouTube Reporter” and “Voice of grassroots issues”.
But the results made it clear that Manish Kashyap’s popularity could not be translated into votes.
The count is almost complete and he is clearly in third place.
Who is ahead, who is behind?—Situation till 22/24 rounds
Abhishek Ranjan (INC) – 80,554 votes
Umakant Singh (BJP) – 79,726 votes
Manish Kashyap (Jan Suraaj) – 34,401 votes
All other candidates – below Rs 2,000
NOTA – 2,374 votes
This means that there is a tough contest between Congress and BJP, but Manish Kashyap is trailing them by 46,000+ votes.
1. Popularity of social media ≠ election machinery
Millions of followers and viral videos are no substitute for electoral grassroots networks.
In a seat like Chanpatia, caste equations, panchayat level management, booth micro-management and old political roots play a decisive role.
Kashyap did not have any of this in any organized form.
2. Jan Suraj’s wave did not reach the seat
PK’s party Jan Suraj was definitely discussed at many places, but the organization remained weak and its grassroots influence appeared to be very limited. The result—voters were not considering it a “main battle” at all.
3. Third face suppressed in direct fight between INC vs BJP
The fight at Chanpatia was two-sided from the beginning:
Abhishek Ranjan vs Umakant Singh.
In such an environment, the third option gets less space.
4. Past controversies had an impact
Kashyap was in the news last time due to the action of central agencies and police.
For some he became a “victim journalist”,
But a large number of voters were not clear about this controversy.
Due to this he did not get the support from the middle.
5. Local leadership and caste basis could not be formed
Core vote-base is very important in Chanpatia’s politics.
Kashyap did not have a strong caste cluster or an old panchayat-based political team.
Despite being at third place, 34 thousand votes is not insignificant.
It states that—
His influence on youth
The effect of social media changed the actual votes to some extent.
If the organization is strengthened and there is an alliance with a big leader, then there may be an opportunity in the future.
Political analysts believe that this is more of a learning than a defeat for Manish Kashyap.
This election was Kashyap’s first major political test.
Now three further paths can open-
shake hands with a big party
To establish a strong organization in public domain
Returning to public interest reporting again
His supporters are still writing-
“Manish Bhai is not defeated, this is just the beginning.”
