Darbhanga, Bihar – Pushpam Priya, the Oxford-educated political debutante who pledged to transform Bihar and famously vowed to wear a mask until the state's development mirrored that of Europe, is trailing by a significant margin in the Darbhanga constituency. As vote counting progresses in the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, early trends indicate an uphill battle for the Plurals Party founder.
Priya, 38, entered the political arena with ambitious promises and a distinctive campaign style. Her educational background and pledge to bring a fresh perspective to Bihar's governance attracted considerable attention, particularly among younger voters. However, translating that attention into votes has proven challenging in a constituency with deeply entrenched political loyalties.
Darbhanga, situated in the Mithilanchal region, has historically been a stronghold for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In the 2020 Assembly election, BJP's Sanjay Saraogi retained the seat with a significant margin, securing 84,144 votes against RJD's Amar Nath Gami. Saraogi has been elected successively since the 2010 polls. This year, Saraogi is again a key contender, alongside Umesh Sahani of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP).
The current election sees a multi-cornered contest, with Pushpam Priya vying for a breakthrough against established political forces. While final results are still awaited, initial trends suggest that Priya is struggling to gain traction against seasoned politicians with strong local connections and party machinery.
Priya's campaign focused on promises of improved education, healthcare, and infrastructure, directly addressing issues such as poverty and unemployment. Her "mask vow" became a symbolic representation of her commitment to Bihar's transformation. Despite her efforts to connect with voters and present a vision for a better Bihar, the Plurals Party is yet to demonstrate significant electoral success in this election.
Political analysts suggest that several factors may be contributing to Priya's struggle in Darbhanga. The BJP's established presence and support base in the region, coupled with the social equations, make it difficult for new entrants to make inroads. Moreover, the lack of a strong organizational network and limited resources compared to established parties may have hampered her campaign efforts.
As the counting of votes continues, all eyes are on whether Pushpam Priya can narrow the gap and improve her standing in Darbhanga. Regardless of the outcome, her entry into Bihar politics has generated considerable discussion about the need for change and the potential of new leadership. The final results will determine whether her vision resonates with the voters of Darbhanga and what role she will play in Bihar's political landscape in the coming years. Pushpam Priya declared movable assets worth ₹52.5Lac in their election affidavit.
