Nala, Feb. 22: It will be a tough fight in the CPI fortress of Nala, the home turf of Bisheswar Khan, a veteran of several battles.

Though Khan is quite popular in the region, the JMM this time has made inroads, threatening to make it a closer fight than expected. The BJP, which some time back had very little presence in the area, is the underdog here and is likely to eat away a chunk of the votes even if it does not stand on the winners? podium.

Khan, a CPI veteran, has been continuously winning the Nala Assembly seat since 1962. He has never changed his political affiliation or constituency. The 81-year-old is the senior-most legislator in the state. A doctor by profession, his integrity is unquestionable in the area.

The JMM and BJP are trying hard to take on Khan over the issue of neglect. The JMM has made reported starvation deaths an election issue. JMM contestant Ravi Mahto has laboured hard in the constituency during the recent months and is expected to fare better than last time. He had given a tough fight to Khan in the last poll.

The Nala Assembly constituency represents a mixed culture. Here the Bengalis, Biharis and tribals have peacefully been living together for several decades. People from the upper castes, who have their roots in north Bihar, consider Khan a Maithil Brahmin and the Bengalis treat him a Bengali Brahmin. He also enjoys the support of backwards and tribals because of his long association with the CPI.

?I don?t belong to any political party. But, I personally feel that Ravi Mahto will win this time. He has visited almost every house during his campaigns. He has a good rapport with the party workers as well,? said a youth in Sundarpur village.

This village appeared to be having a sizeable number of BJP followers as the party flag was seen flying atop most of the houses. The villagers argued that the BJP contestant Satyanand Jha will be benefitted ultimately by the fight between the CPI and the JMM.

JMM rebel Pravin Prabhakar too is contesting this seat as an Independent candidate. He enjoys the support of Stephen Marandi. ?Prabhakar may not be able to save his security deposit, but he will undoubtedly cause harm to Ravi Mahto,? Haradhan Mandal of Kharaina village said. Will this benefit Khan? ?Khan?s cadre vote-bank is in tact. The Bengali voters play a decisive role and most of them are still firmly with him,? said Kalipad Manjhi of Kalipather village.