MADHEPURA

Once again in the limelight with Laloo announcing to contest from here, the Madhepura will maintain its high-profile stature in this election too.

Once again in the limelight with Bihar strongman Laloo announcing to contest from here, the Madhepura constituency will maintain its high-profile stature in this election too.

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A constituency which made headlines in 1999 polls with unexpected defeat of the RJD chief at the hands of Union Minister Sharad Yadav, it has traditionally been a "Yadav" stronghold.

Then representing the JD(U), Yadav polled 32,8,761 votes (50.70%) to beat Laloo by 30320 votes in what was then described as 'do or die battle' for both. The Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Laloo, who had defeated Sharad in 1998 elections, polled 298441 votes (46.02%). Arbinad Kumar of JP came third polling 8349 votes while Dr Amar and independent got 5923 votes in a six-cornered contest on paper.

Sharad Yadav had won this seat in 1991 and 1996.

"Rome Pop ka Madhepura Gop ka (Rome is for Pop and Madhepura is for Yadavs)" has been the punchline of locals.