Gopalpur Vidhan Sabha Bihar, nestled in the Bhagalpur district, is a significant legislative constituency with a rich political history. It is a part of the Bhagalpur Lok Sabha constituency, comprising several other assembly constituencies like Bihpur, Pirpainti, Kahalgaon, Bhagalpur, and Nathnagar.
Overview of Gopalpur Vidhan Sabha Bihar
Gopalpur is located in the Bhagalpur district and is a General category assembly seat. The constituency encompasses the Gopalpur, Naugachhia, Rangrachowk, and Ismailpur blocks. The town of Gopalpur, Bihar, is at the core of this vibrant constituency.
- Distance from Patna: Approximately 220 kilometers.
- Pincode: 853204.
- Railway Station: Gopalpur Junction connects the constituency to the rest of the state.
Members of the Legislative Assembly
Here is the list of notable members who have represented the Gopalpur Vidhan Sabha Bihar:
| Year | Member | Party |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | Vedanand Jha | Indian National Congress |
| 1957 | Maniram Singh | Communist Party of India |
| 1962 | Maya Devi | Indian National Congress |
| 1967 | Maniram Singh | Communist Party of India |
| 1969 | Madan Prasad Singh | Indian National Congress |
| 1972 | Madan Prasad Singh | Indian National Congress |
| 1977 | Maniram Singh | Communist Party of India |
| 1980 | Madan Prasad Singh | Indian National Congress |
| 1985 | Madan Prasad Singh | Indian National Congress |
| 1990 | Gyaneshwar Yadav | Bharatiya Janata Party |
| 1995 | Rabindra Rana | Janata Dal |
| 2000 | Rabindra Rana | Rashtriya Janata Dal |
| 2005 | Amit Rana | Rashtriya Janata Dal |
| 2005 2010 2015 2020 | Narendra Kumar Niraj | Janata Dal (United) |
Election Results Overview
The election results of Gopalpur have shown a fascinating trend in the recent years. Here is a quick look at the results from the last few elections:
2020 Bihar Legislative Assembly Election:
| Party | Candidate | Votes | Percentage | ±% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JD(U) | Narendra Kumar Niraj | 75,533 | 46.39% | — |
| RJD | Shailesh Kumar | 51,072 | 31.37% | — |
| NOTA | — | — | — | — |
2015 Bihar Assembly Election:
| Party | Candidate | Votes | Percentage | ±% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JD(U) | Narendra Kumar Niraj | 57,403 | 42.91% | — |
| BJP | Anil Kumar Yadav | 52,234 | 39.05% | — |
2010 Bihar Assembly Election:
| Party | Candidate | Votes | Percentage | ±% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JD(U) | Narendra Kumar Niraj | 53,876 | 47.00% | — |
| RJD | Amit Rana | 28,816 | 25.14% | — |
Voter Demographics: Gopalpur Vidhan Sabha Bihar
Gopalpur’s voter demographics reflect the region’s diversity, with distinct communities shaping the political landscape. As per the 2011 Census and voter list analysis, the assembly has a mix of SC, ST, Muslim, and rural voters.
- SC Voters: 18,849 (6.97%)
- ST Voters: 2,975 (1.1%)
- Muslim Voters: 19,742 (7.3%)
- Rural Voters: 235,790 (87.19%)
- Urban Voters: 34,642 (12.81%)
Polling Booths and Voter Turnout
Gopalpur has witnessed varying voter turnout in the last few elections. In the 2020 Assembly elections, the turnout was 60.28%, while in the 2015 Assembly elections, it was 53.86%. The number of polling booths increased from 401 in 2020 to 264 in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Caste and Community Influence
The political sway of Gopalpur can be understood through its caste and surname analysis. The majority of voters belong to influential communities such as Mandal, Singh, and Yadav, with the following distribution:
| Community | Voter Count | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Mandal | 51,652 | 19.1 |
| Singh | 37,590 | 13.9 |
| Yadav | 31,640 | 11.7 |
| Muslim | 19,741 | 7.3 |
| Shah | 15,955 | 5.9 |
Other communities, such as Sharma, Kumar, and Thakur, also hold significant voting power in the constituency, contributing to the diverse political landscape.
Significance of Gopalpur Vidhan Sabha Bihar
The Gopalpur Vidhan Sabha constituency stands as a testament to the evolving political dynamics in Bihar. The people of Gopalpur, representing a mix of traditional and modern ideologies, continue to shape the future of the state. As one of the six assembly segments under the Bhagalpur Lok Sabha constituency, Gopalpur holds immense significance in the state’s electoral process.
Conclusion
Gopalpur is a perfect blend of political legacy, voter diversity, and election enthusiasm. Its ever-changing political scenario, combined with a well-distributed voter base, makes it one of the most important constituencies in Bihar. As the state moves toward a new political era, the Gopalpur Vidhan Sabha constituency will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping Bihar’s future.
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