The Bansgaon Lok Sabha seat, reserved for Scheduled Castes since its inception in the third parliamentary elections in 1962, is on the brink of a historic election. As voters prepare for the 18th Lok Sabha elections, the outcome will undoubtedly etch a new chapter in the constituency’s political history.

Three major candidates are vying for victory: Bharatiya Janata Party’s Kamlesh Paswan, Congress candidate Sadal Prasad, and Bahujan Samaj Party’s Dr Ramsamuj. Each has the potential to achieve a significant milestone with a win.

If BJP candidate Kamlesh Paswan secures another term, he will become the first leader from the party to be elected as MP from Bansgaon for four consecutive terms. Kamlesh has already won in 2009, 2014, and 2019. This victory would tie him with Congress party’s Mahavir Prasad, who also won four terms (1980, 1984, 1989, and 2004), but would also surpass him by achieving four consecutive wins.

Sadal Prasad, contesting on a Congress ticket under the INDI Alliance, is aiming to convert his three-time runner-up status into a victory. Previously, he contested on a BSP ticket in 2004, 2014 and 2019, finishing second each time. A win for Sadal would mark his first victory after years of near successes, creating a unique record for perseverance in the constituency.

For Dr Ramsamuj of the BSP, a victory would mean more than just personal success. It would be the first time that the BSP will win the Bansgaon seat, which has been a tough battleground where the party has consistently finished second but has never secured the top spot.

Historically, Bansgaon has seen significant political shifts. Congress party’s Mahavir Prasad achieved a hat-trick of victories in the 1980s and won a fourth term in 2004, setting a high bar for future candidates. Kamlesh Paswan, who has matched Prasad’s hat-trick, now seeks to surpass this legacy.

Sadal Prasad’s political journey in Bansgaon has been marked by persistence. Despite his three runner-up finishes, he remains a significant contender, now bolstered by the Congress platform and the support of the INDI Alliance. His candidacy represents hope for change and the potential to break his streak of second-place finishes.

Dr Ramsamuj’s campaign is energised by the hope of turning the BSP’s longstanding runner-up status into a victory. His efforts are aimed at mobilising the core BSP voters while reaching out to other communities to secure a broader base of support.

Kamlesh Paswan’s campaign is deeply rooted in his established presence in the constituency, supported by the BJP’s focus on the accomplishments of the Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath administrations. Despite facing some opposition, his strong voter base and the BJP’s strategic outreach to upper caste voters provide a solid foundation for his campaign.

In contrast, Sadal Prasad’s supporters are banking on his reputation as a straightforward and dedicated leader. They believe his past defeats have garnered sympathy and strengthened his appeal, especially among Dalit voters. Additionally, his ties with the Samajwadi Party are expected to attract Yadav and Muslim votes.

Dr Ramsamuj remains confident in the unwavering support of the BSP’s core voters and aims to attract a diverse voter base by highlighting BSP’s inclusive policies and commitment to social justice.

As Bansgaon heads to the polls, the constituency stands at a crossroads where the outcome will not only determine its immediate political future but also carve out a significant place in its electoral history.

The polling in Bansgaon will be held on June 1