The Jokihat Assembly constituency is located in the Araria district of Bihar and holds significant importance within the state’s political landscape. This constituency has a deep-rooted history of political contests, with frequent shifts in allegiance and power. It lies under the Araria (Lok Sabha constituency) and is a General category assembly seat. The region was notably affected by the 2017 Bihar floods, marking a significant event in its recent history.
Constituency Overview
According to the Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies Order, 2008, the Jokihat Assembly constituency comprises several regions: Jokihat community development block, along with the gram panchayats such as Barahkumba, Bhikha, Nakta Khurd, and others from the Palasi CD Block. This constituency falls under the Araria (SC) Lok Sabha segment.
Jokihat Assembly constituency Historical Election Trends
Over the years, Jokihat has witnessed an interesting array of political shifts. Some major figures from various parties have held the seat, while the voters have made impactful decisions through consistent changes in political representation.
Notable Members of the Legislative Assembly
- 1967: Nazamuddin (Praja Socialist Party)
- 1969: Taslimuddin (Indian National Congress)
- 1977: Janata Party
- 1980: Moidur Rehman (Indian National Congress)
- 1990: Moidur Rahman (Independent)
- 2005: Manzar Alam (Janata Dal United)
- 2018: Shahnawaz Alam (Rashtriya Janata Dal)
- 2020: Mohammed Shahnawaz Alam (AIMIM)
These names reflect the fluid political environment of Jokihat, with candidates from both national and regional parties making their mark.
Election Results: 2020 – A Victory for AIMIM
In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, Mohammed Shahnawaz Alam of AIMIM triumphed, securing a narrow yet significant victory with 59,596 votes (34.22%). His nearest competitor, Sarfaraz Alam from RJD, obtained 52,213 votes (29.98%). The voter turnout was 59.8%, showcasing an active electorate despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIMIM | Mohammed Shahnawaz Alam | 59,596 | 34.22% |
| RJD | Sarfaraz Alam | 52,213 | 29.98% |
| BJP | Ranjit Yadav | 48,933 | 28.1% |
| NOTA | None of the Above | 2,844 | 1.63% |
Majority: 7,383 votes
Jokihat Assembly constituency Voter Demographics
The Jokihat Assembly constituency is predominantly rural, with 100% of voters residing in rural areas. Muslim voters form a significant portion of the electorate, accounting for 65.7%, followed by other communities like Mandal (7.5%) and Yadav (4.1%). This demographic composition plays a crucial role in shaping the electoral results.
| Community | Voter Count | Voter Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Muslim | 192,728 | 65.7% |
| Mandal | 22,001 | 7.5% |
| Yadav | 12,027 | 4.1% |
| Vishwas | 7,627 | 2.6% |
| Shah | 7,333 | 2.5% |
Challenges and Political Dynamics
Jokihat’s political landscape is complex and ever-changing. The seat has been a battleground for various parties, with AIMIM marking a historic win in 2020 after taking the seat from Janata Dal (United) in previous elections. The Muslim-majority population of the constituency has significantly influenced election outcomes, making the seat crucial for national and regional parties alike.
Conclusion: Jokihat Assembly constituency
As Jokihat Assembly constituency continues to evolve, future elections will likely witness fierce competition, with shifting alliances and changing voter sentiments. The Muslim vote remains a decisive factor, and understanding the socio-political dynamics of this constituency is essential for any party seeking to dominate this seat.
References
- Election Results – 2020 Bihar Assembly Election
- Voter Demographics – Census 2011 Data
