Patna, October 27 (IANS). Chhatapur assembly seat of Supaul district is located in the north-eastern part of Bihar, near the Nepal border. It is part of Supaul Lok Sabha constituency and is known for its geographical location, cultural heritage and agriculture-based economy.
This assembly constituency includes Chhatapur and Basantpur blocks. This area is located about 35 kilometers east of Supaul district headquarters and about 70 kilometers north-east of Saharsa. The nearest railway station is at Nirmali, while rail connectivity is also available from Saharsa and Forbesganj.
Durga temple located in Sitapur village of Chhatapur is the main center of local faith. At the same time, Jagat Janani Raj-Rajeshwari temple located in Rajeshwari village of Chhatapur block has historical recognition. It is said that when Kosi river was in its fiercest form, it changed its direction when it reached near the temple, the proof of this is still shown by the local people even today.
This area is mainly rural and agriculture based. The main crops here are paddy, maize and pulses, while vegetable production and small-scale milk production also form an important part of the local income. Due to its proximity to the Nepal border, informal cross-border trade also boosts the economy.
Talking about political background, Chhatapur assembly seat was established in 1967. Initially it was a reserved seat for Scheduled Castes, but in 2008 it was included in the general category following the recommendations of the Delimitation Commission. Till now 16 assembly elections have been held here.
Congress had won thrice between 1969 and 1985, while Samyukt Socialist Party (1967, 1969), Janata Dal (1990, 1995) and JDU (2005, 2010) had won twice each. RJD had won in 2000, 2002 (by-election) and 2005. Janata Party was successful once in 1977.
BJP’s Neeraj Kumar Singh retained the seat in the 2020 assembly elections. He defeated Vipin Kumar Singh of RJD. Earlier in 2015 also, Neeraj Kumar Singh had won. This time they are trying to score a hat-trick by winning for the third consecutive time.
This time 13 candidates are in the fray. Apart from BJP’s Neeraj Kumar Singh, RJD has given ticket to Vipin Kumar Singh and Jan Suraj Party has given ticket to Abhay Kumar Singh.
Muslim, Yadav and Brahmin voters are considered decisive on this seat, who can decide the equation in this election also.
–IANS
DCH/ABM