Why Did 61 Candidates Withdraw from the First Phase of Bihar Elections?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, 61 candidates have withdrawn their nominations for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections. With 1,690 originally in the fray, this significant shift raises questions about the political landscape in Bihar. As the competition heats up between the NDA and the Grand Alliance, what does this mean for the upcoming election?
Key Takeaways
- 61 candidates withdrew their nominations.
- Total candidates initially were 1,690.
- Final count for the first phase is 1,314.
- Voting date is set for November 6.
- NDA and Grand Alliance are the main contenders.
Patna, Oct 20 (NationPress) On the last day for nomination withdrawals, 61 candidates from the first phase of the Bihar Assembly election chose to retract their nominations on Monday, as per the Election Commission's announcement. Official statistics indicate that a total of 1,690 candidates submitted their nominations for this initial phase, which encompasses 121 constituencies across 18 districts.
During the verification of nomination papers, 315 nominations were deemed invalid due to a range of discrepancies, leaving 1,375 valid candidates still in the race.
After the withdrawal period, the total count of candidates now contesting in the first phase is 1,314.
A district-wise analysis reveals that the most significant number of withdrawals (9) originated from Patna, followed by Darbhanga (8), Begusarai (7), and Gopalganj (6).
Additionally, Vaishali reported 5 withdrawals, Muzaffarpur had 4, and Siwan, Samastipur, Nalanda, and Buxar each witnessed 3 candidates pulling out.
Madhepura, Khagaria, and Munger recorded 2 withdrawals each, while Saharsa, Saran, Sheikhpura, and Bhojpur saw 1 withdrawal each.
The nomination process for the first phase commenced on October 10 and concluded on October 17. Voting is scheduled for November 6.
In the meantime, the nomination process for the second phase, covering 122 seats across 18 districts, also ended at 5 p.m. on Monday.
Candidates for this phase have until October 23 to withdraw their nominations.
Polling for the second phase is set for November 11, with results to be announced on November 14.
The competition in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections appears to be intensifying between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan).
The NDA has already established its seat-sharing arrangement, with the Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party contesting 101 seats each, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will contest 29 seats. The Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) will each contest 6 seats.
Point of View
It is crucial to observe the political shifts in Bihar as the elections approach. The recent withdrawal of 61 candidates reflects the complexities of electoral strategies at play. With the NDA and Grand Alliance gearing up for a fierce competition, the landscape of the Bihar Assembly elections is becoming increasingly dynamic. We will continue to monitor these developments closely.
NationPress
20/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many candidates withdrew their nominations for the Bihar elections?
A total of 61 candidates withdrew their nominations for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections.
What was the total number of candidates who filed nominations?
Initially, 1,690 candidates filed their nominations for the first phase.
When will voting take place for the first phase?
Voting for the first phase is scheduled for November 6.
How many candidates are left in the fray after withdrawals?
After the withdrawal process, there are 1,314 candidates remaining in the contest.
What are the key political alliances in this election?
The main political alliances are the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan).
