New Delhi, Nov. 8 -- After a record turnout in the first phase of Bihar Assembly elections, the state is preparing for the second phase of polling, with the Madhuban Assembly constituency in the East Champaran district emerging as a key battleground between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan.

Dominated by the Vaishya (Bania) community, Madhuban has traditionally been a stronghold of the incumbent MLA Rana Randhir's family, except for the period between 2005 and 2015.

Rana Randhir's father, Sitaram Singh, held the seat from 1985 until 2005, when he successfully contested the Sheohar Lok Sabha seat on a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) ticket. Following this, Rana Randhir contested Madhuban on an RJD ticket in February 2005, winning the seat, but ...