Samastipur’s Moscow Stays Red as Ajay Kumar Retains Bibhutipur

Bibhutipur (Bihar): ‘Samastipur’s Moscow’ has stayed red once more, with CPI M sitting MLA Ajay Kumar securing victory in Bibhutipur by a margin of 10,281 votes. Known for its long history of struggles for Dalit rights, land rights, and dignity, the constituency has again placed its trust in a leader shaped by grassroots battles. In 2020, Ajay Kumar had reclaimed the seat from Janata Dal (United) with a majority of 40,500 votes. His consistent fights both within the Assembly and across the villages, along with local development work, formed the core of his renewed mandate.

Bibhutipur has long been a stronghold where CPI M’s influence grew through historic agitations. The party led major land struggles, taking back vast tracts held by powerful landlords and redistributing them to Dalits and backward communities. Twenty-six people lost their lives in these battles, and Ajay Kumar himself faced three attacks from landlords, underscoring the intensity of the conflict.

This election saw JD(U) field Raveena Kushwaha, second wife of former MLA Ram Balak Singh, who had represented the constituency in 2010 and 2015. Posters and campaign vehicles prominently featured Ram Balak’s image, even as he remained in jail facing charges including double murder. Rape accusations and the circulation of a pornographic video had earlier led JD(U) to deny him a ticket, but pressure from within eventually secured the nomination for his wife. BJP rebel Rupanjali Kumari also contested, adding to the complexity of the race.