Buxar/Patna: In a surprising twist to Bihar’s political landscape, Anand Mishra, the BJP candidate and former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has won the Buxar assembly seat against Congress’s Sanjay Kumar Tiwari (popularly known as Munna Tiwari) by a significant margin of over 28,000 votes. This marks a major shift in the constituency, which has historically been a Congress stronghold.
The election result is being seen as an important development, as Mr Tiwari, who had previously won the seat in both the 2015 and 2020 elections, has now lost the seat to Mr Mishra, a first-time political candidate.
Anand Mishra’s Political Debut Shakes Up Buxar’s Political Scene
Mr Mishra, 44, hailing from Jigna Village, Ithari Block, Buxar District, made a strong debut in the electoral race. A 2011-batch IPS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, Mishra’s campaign garnered attention due to his impeccable record in law enforcement and his growing popularity as a social worker.
Before the elections, exit polls had hinted at a potential upset in Buxar, predicting that Mr Mishra, with his fresh approach and strong social media presence, could pose a challenge to Congress’s dominance. The outcome has now confirmed this shift, as BJP continues to make inroads into traditionally Congress-dominated regions.
Buxar’s Electoral History: A Traditional Congress Stronghold
Buxar has long been a Congress bastion, with the party winning the seat 10 times out of 17 elections since the constituency was formed in 1951. The BJP has only claimed the seat three times, while regional parties like the CPM have had occasional successes.
In the 2020 elections, Congress’s Sanjay Kumar Tiwari narrowly defeated BJP’s Parshuram Chaubey by a margin of just 3,892 votes. However, the 2025 elections have seen a clear shift, with Mishra emerging victorious.
A Multi-Cornered Contest in 2025
The 2025 Buxar assembly elections witnessed a multi-cornered contest, with 15 candidates in the fray. Apart from Anand Mishra (BJP) and Sanjay Kumar Tiwari (Congress), Tathagat Harshvardhan of Jan Suraj Party also made his mark in the race.
Voter dynamics in Buxar have always been influenced by the Yadav and Brahmin communities, whose votes are crucial in determining the winner. Analysts have been closely monitoring the voting behavior in these areas, as the BJP has been trying to break Congress’s dominance.
Anand Mishra: From Policing to Politics
Ex-IPS Mishra’s journey to politics has been unique. Born on June 1, 1981, in Prasaunda Village, Shahpur Block, Bhojpur District, Mishra had a distinguished career in the Indian Police Service. He served as SP in Nagaon and SSP in Lakhimpur, gaining recognition as an “encounter specialist” for his fearless operations against Maoists and drug cartels.
His decision to resign from his IPS role on January 29, 2024, and enter social work has been pivotal in shaping his political identity. He ran as an independent in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Buxar, securing nearly 50,000 votes. After a brief stint with Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraj Party, Mishra joined the BJP in August 2025, where he rebranded his welfare initiative to “Kamal Sewa Kendra”.
Buxar: A Constituency with Cultural and Historical Significance
Beyond politics, Buxar holds immense historical value. The Buxar Fort, constructed during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, and Chausa Village, the site of the 1539 Battle of Chausa, are key historical landmarks.
The constituency is also known as the birthplace of legendary figures like Bismillah Khan, the famed shehnai maestro, and Harihar Singh, a Bhojpuri poet who briefly served as Bihar’s Chief Minister in 1969.
Political Journey: From Jan Suraj to BJP
Mr Mishra’s political journey has been marked by a series of strategic decisions. After briefly leading the youth wing of Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraj Party in early 2025, he joined the BJP in August, aligning with the party’s nationalistic stance and governance-driven approach. Mishra has consistently emphasized the need for strong leadership in Bihar, saying, “I will work like a soldier of the organization. The BJP is the only party that can provide strong leadership and governance to the country and Bihar.”
While supporters argue that joining the BJP was a necessary step for a more structured political platform, critics question the ideological shift, especially given Mishra’s previous associations.
Buxar’s Political Landscape Post-2025 Elections
Buxar’s 2025 election result signals a crucial political shift in Bihar. With Mr Mishra’s win and the growing influence of the BJP in traditionally Congress-dominated regions, the results could serve as a barometer for the future political trends in Bihar.
As Congress fights to retain its historic stronghold in Buxar and other regions, the BJP’s aggressive campaign and Mr Mishra’s fresh face in politics could herald the beginning of a new era for Bihar’s political landscape.
Read also: Will BJP’s Ex‑IPS Anand Mishra Win the Buxar Seat in Bihar Assembly Election 2025? Exit Polls Say…
