By Admin 
Bakhri (SC) assembly constituency of Begusarai district is once again at the center of political contest in Bihar assembly elections. Situated on the banks of the Gandak River, this area is known for its dense population, fertile soil and agriculture-based economy. The sandy-loamy soil here is considered ideal for the production of paddy, wheat, maize and pulses, while milk production and small scale industries are important sources of income for the local people.
The total population of Bakhri Assembly is about 4.83 lakh, which includes about 2.95 lakh voters. Of these, male voters are 1.54 lakh and female voters are 1.40 lakh, while 9 voters are from the third gender category. This area is SC reserved, hence 20 to 25 percent votes of the Dalit community are considered decisive in this election.
Floods destroy thousands of acres of crops every year.
Due to the majority of rural areas (about 85 percent), the problems here are mainly related to farming. Every year the flood of Gandak river destroys thousands of acres of crops, causing huge losses to the farmers and migration of a large number of labourers. Apart from this, irrigation, employment and flood control have been permanent election issues of this region.
CPI won this seat 11 times
The history of Bakhri Assembly has been interesting from the political point of view. Elections have been held 17 times so far in this constituency, formed in 1951. Among these, the dominance of the Communist Party of India (CPI) remained for a long time. CPI has won here 11 times, including eight consecutive wins from 1967 to 1995. In the initial phase, Congress also won thrice in 1952, 1957 and 1962.
BJP registered victory from this area for the first time in 2010.
For the first time in the year 2000, RJD broke the streak of the Left, but in both the elections of 2005, CPI made a comeback. In 2010, BJP won this area for the first time, while in 2015 RJD won. In 2020, the Grand Alliance left this seat for CPI and party candidate Manoj Kumar defeated BJP by only 777 votes.
This time BJP is again trying to break into the Left stronghold, while CPI is active to preserve its support base. The role of Dalit voters and who is more effective on rural issues will decide in whose hands the historical stronghold of Bakhri goes.