The first phase of this year’s biggest elections – Bihar Assembly polls – is over. The final turnout was recorded at 65.08 percent, the highest in the state’s history, the Election Commission said.

On November 11, the eastern state of India, with the remaining 122 constituencies, will enter the second phase of polling. And among them is Muslim-dominated Seemanchal, a key region of 24 seats consisting of Kishanganj, Araria, Katihar and Purnia districts.

According to the 2011 census, Kishanganj has 68 percent Muslim population, Araria 43 percent, Katihar 45 percent, and Purnia 39 percent.

Many factors play an important role in the Seemanchal belt. Unemployment , education and migration are major issues. Interestingly, the controversial Waqf Amendment Act is not on their priority list,

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