Patna; As Counting of votes in Chapra constituency of Saran district concluded, Chhoti Kumari of BJP was announced the winner with as many as 86,845 votes. 
Khesari Lal Yadav of Rashtriya Janata Dal came second with 79,245 votes while Independent candidate Rakhi Gupta secured 11,488 votes, emerging third.

Key candidates and constituency profile

Chapra is a general-category assembly seat forming part of the Saran Lok Sabha constituency. Candidates in the fray this year include:

  • Chhoti Kumari (BJP) – seeking to retain the seat for the party.
  • Khesari Lal Yadav (RJD) – Bhojpuri film star contesting a high-profile election.
  • Jai Prakash Singh (Jan Suraaj Party) – a newer entrant struggling to make an impact.

The constituency has historically witnessed close contests, with BJP holding the seat in the last two assembly elections through Dr CN Gupta.

Voting trends and historical context

  • In 2020, Dr CN Gupta (BJP) won with 75,710 votes (45.5%) amid a 53.5% turnout.
  • In 2015, Gupta had secured 71,646 votes (45.3%) with a 52.1% turnout.
  • The 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw BJP’s Rajiv Pratap Rudy winning Saran with 92,155 votes against RJD’s 69,839, reflecting BJP’s stronghold in the region.

Implications for Bihar elections 2025

Chapra remains a crucial battleground in Saran, signalling broader trends for the NDA in Bihar. The BJP’s ability to retain the seat against a high-profile RJD candidate reflects the party’s organisational strength and continued voter appeal in key districts.