National news: In the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Jokihat in Araria has emerged as the most high-profile battleground. The constituency is witnessing an no-go triangular contest. Three former ministers are pitted versus each other. Adding to the drama, two of them are sons of the late inside minister Taslimuddin, a towering icon in Seemanchal politics. Sarfaraz Alam is contesting from Jan Suraj, while his younger brother Shahnawaz Alam is fielded by RJD. From JDU, Manzar Alam has moreover joined the fray, making it a wrestle of heavyweights.
Sarfaraz Alam’s long journey
Elder son of Taslimuddin, Sarfaraz Alam, entered politics in 1996. He represented Jokihat four times and transiently served as Araria MP in 2018. He has switched between RJD and JDU, and is now with Jan Suraj.
Manzar Alam trusted by JDU
Manzar Alam, a loyal JDU leader, won in 2005 and served as Minority Welfare Minister. Though sidelined in later elections, he has been brought when by JDU in 2025 to reuse Jokihat. Shahnawaz Alam made his debut in 2020 on AIMIM ticket. He defeated his own brother Sarfaraz in a sensational contest. Later, he joined RJD with other AIMIM MLAs and became Bihar’s Disaster Management Minister.
AIMIM fields Murshid Alam
AIMIM, which won Jokihat in 2020, has then fielded Murshid Alam. A five-time mukhiya and district senior of AIMIM, he has grassroots influence. His candidacy adds remoter heat to the contest. Sarfaraz moved from JDU to RJD and now to Jan Suraj under Prashant Kishor. Shahnawaz shifted from AIMIM to RJD. Frequent shifts highlight deep cracks and waffly loyalties in Seemanchal politics.
Jokihat voters hold the key
With three former ministers and AIMIM’s grassroots candidate in the fray, Jokihat has wilt a political cauldron. The voters’ visualization will decide whether legacy, loyalty, or fresh energy wins. The outcome may moreover reshape Seemanchal’s political future.
