Bihar Polls: Who Are the 71 Candidates Chosen by BJP?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP announces 71 candidates for Bihar elections.
- Includes key figures like Deputy Chief Ministers.
- Focus on balancing experience and new talent.
- Strategic candidate selection reflects political priorities.
- Further announcements expected soon.
Patna, Oct 14 (NationPress) Following the conclusion of the seat-sharing arrangement within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its initial list of 71 candidates for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections in 2025.
The list features several noteworthy figures, including the state's two Deputy Chief Ministers and two former Deputy Chief Ministers.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is set to contest from Tarapur in the Munger district, while Vijay Kumar Sinha will represent Lakhisarai.
Among the former Deputy Chief Ministers, Tarkishore Prasad is slated to run from Katihar, and Renu Devi will contest from Bettiah in the West Champaran district.
The party has also re-nominated international shooter and sitting MLA Shreyasi Singh from the Jamui seat.
In a remarkable addition, the BJP has awarded tickets to two former Members of Parliament: Ram Kripal Yadav, competing from Danapur in Patna district, and Sunil Kumar Pintu, who will contest from Sitamarhi.
Pintu previously represented Sitamarhi in the Lok Sabha but, under the NDA seat-sharing arrangement for 2024, the parliamentary seat was allocated to the JDU, with Devesh Chandra Thakur contesting in 2024.
The list also features Sidhartha Saurav, a former Congress rebel who contested from Bikram in the 2020 Assembly elections.
Saurav joined the NDA in 2024 and played a pivotal role in supporting the Nitish Kumar government during the floor test.
He, along with fellow Congress dissenter Sangeeta Kumari, joined the BJP recently and is now contesting from Bikram.
Other significant candidates include Vishal Prashant from Tarari, former minister Prem Kumar from Gaya City, Virendra Singh from Wazirganj, Anil Singh from Husua, and Aruna Devi from Warsaliganj in Nawada district.
From Siwan, Health Minister Mangal Pandey has received a ticket, while Nitin Naveen will contest from Bankipur in Patna district.
Krishna Kumar Rishi will represent Banmankhi, Jivesh Kumar Mishra from Jale, Sanjay Saraogi from Darbhanga, Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul from Bithan in Madhubani district, Neeraj Kumar Singh Bablu from Chatapur, and Industry Minister Nitish Mishra from Jhanjharpur in Madhubani district.
Insiders within the party indicate that the BJP's initial list reflects a balance between seasoned leaders and newcomers, acknowledging loyalty and past electoral performance. An additional list of candidates is anticipated to be announced shortly.