Bihar Assembly Polls: JD(U) Releases First List of 57 Candidates
Janata Dal (United) has released its first list of 57 candidates, continuing its trend of granting tickets to several sitting MLAs and state ministers. Notably, ministers already serving in the state cabinet are being given another opportunity to contest. For example, Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar, a close aide to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, will contest from Nalanda. Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, a senior party leader, has been fielded from the Sarairanjan constituency.
Social Welfare Minister Madan Sahni and Education Minister Sunil Kumar, both prominent figures within the party, have also been renominated, continuing the party’s trend of favoring incumbents. Umesh Kushwaha, the state JD(U) president and a key party leader, filed his nomination papers yesterday from the Mahnar constituency and is included in the list. Contesting from Kalyanpur in Samastipur district, Minister Maheshwar Hazari once again demonstrates his regional influence. Meanwhile, former MP Ashwamedh Devi, known for her previous representation, has secured a ticket from the Samastipur Assembly constituency.
Signalling the start of a high-stakes contest, the Bharatiya Janata Party announced its first list of 71 candidates for the Bihar Assembly elections on October 14, contesting 101 out of 243 seats in a seat-sharing agreement with its National Democratic Alliance partners.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary will contest from Tarapur, and Vijay Kumar Sinha from Lakhisarai. Former Deputy Chief Minister Tarkishore Prasad is the candidate for Katihar, while State Minister Renu Devi will contest from Bettiah.
State Minister Nitish Mishra, seeking re-election, will run from Jhanjharpur; Mangal Pandey stands from Siwan, while Shreyasi Singh is the candidate for Jamui.
Bihar Assembly polls are scheduled to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The first phase will see voting for 121 seats, while the second and final phase will see voting for 122 seats.
The results will be announced on November 14, concluding the election process.
