Why Did 70 Candidates Withdraw Their Nominations for the Bihar Assembly Elections?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn, 70 candidates have withdrawn their nominations for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, signaling a shifting political landscape. With intense competition brewing between the NDA and Grand Alliance, this development raises questions about the upcoming electoral battle. What does this mean for the future of Bihar's governance?
Key Takeaways
- 70 candidates withdrew their nominations for the Bihar Assembly elections.
- The withdrawal deadline ended on October 20, 2025.
- A total of 1,302 candidates remain for the upcoming election.
- The election is a contest between the NDA and Grand Alliance.
- Voting is set for November 11.
Patna, Oct 24 (NationPress) Following the closure of the withdrawal period for the second phase of nominations, a total of 70 candidates have rescinded their nominations for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Election 2025, as reported by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday.
The deadline concluded at 5 p.m. on Thursday. For this phase, nominations were submitted for 122 Assembly seats across 18 districts.
Initially, 1,761 candidates presented their nomination papers, with 389 nominations being rejected during the scrutiny process.
Ultimately, 1,372 nominations were deemed valid. After the withdrawal of 70 candidates, 1,302 candidates remain in contention for the second phase.
A closer look at the withdrawals reveals that the highest number originated from Kishanganj, where 10 candidates withdrew their nominations.
Araria saw seven candidates pulling out, while West Champaran, East Champaran, Madhubani, Katihar, and Rohtas each recorded five withdrawals.
In Gaya and Nawada, four candidates withdrew their nominations, while Sitamarhi, Bhagalpur, Banka, Jehanabad, and Aurangabad noted three withdrawals each.
Sheohar, Supaul, Purnea, Arwal, and Jamui each had one withdrawal, and no candidates withdrew from Kaimur district.
The nomination process for this phase initiated on October 13 and wrapped up on October 20, with voting set for November 11.
The upcoming elections in Bihar are expected to be a direct showdown between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan).
The NDA has commenced its campaign under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, while the Grand Alliance has recently settled internal conflicts regarding seat-sharing and leadership.
Thanks to intervention from senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, the alliance has declared Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Ministerial candidate, with Mukesh Sahani from the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) as a potential Deputy Chief Minister if they secure power.
With both coalitions finalizing their plans and leadership roles, Bihar is poised for a fierce electoral contest in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
I view the recent withdrawals in Bihar's Assembly elections as a significant indicator of the evolving political climate. The contest between the NDA and Grand Alliance is intensifying, and these developments should be closely monitored, as they could influence voter sentiment and turnout. Our commitment is to provide objective analysis on how these shifts shape the future of governance in Bihar.
NationPress
24/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 70 candidates withdrawing?
The withdrawal of 70 candidates indicates shifting dynamics in the electoral landscape, potentially impacting the competition between the NDA and Grand Alliance.
When is the voting scheduled for the Bihar Assembly Elections?
Voting is scheduled for November 11, 2025.
Who are the major political players in this election?
The major players include the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the opposition Grand Alliance.
What districts saw the most withdrawals?
Kishanganj had the highest withdrawals, with 10 candidates pulling out.
When did the nomination process conclude?
The nomination process concluded on October 20, 2025.
