All nine candidates of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) filed their nomination papers for the Bihar Legislative Council (MLC) elections at the Bihar Legislative Assembly in Patna on 8 June, the final day for submissions. Among the prominent names was Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar, who arrived accompanied by Janata Dal (United) Working President Sanjay Jha.

Key Candidates and Their Filings

Speaking to reporters after submitting his papers, Nishant Kumar said, 'I have come to file my nomination as a Legislative Council member. I am grateful for the trust the party has placed in me. I will work to fulfil the dream of a developed Bihar that my father envisioned.'

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh also filed his nomination, drawing considerable attention upon his arrival in a luxury Land Cruiser reportedly worth around ₹2.5 crore. A large contingent of supporters and party leaders, including his elder brother Guddu Singh, accompanied him. Singh did not address the media but reportedly expressed satisfaction at receiving the party's nomination and thanked the BJP leadership.

Other NDA candidates who completed the process included Ashraf Ansari of Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas), Sanjay Mayukh of the BJP, and Bharti Mehta of the JD(U).

Senior NDA Leaders Attend the Proceedings

The nomination event drew significant NDA presence at the Assembly. Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh and Chirag Paswan, along with several Bihar government ministers, were present during the filing process — underscoring the alliance's show of unity ahead of the polls.

Mahagathbandhan's Low-Key Showing

In contrast, the opposition Mahagathbandhan camp maintained a noticeably muted presence. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Sunil Kumar Singh was the only prominent alliance candidate to arrive in the morning session. A total of ten candidates are in the fray — nine from the NDA and one from the RJD — making the contest heavily weighted in the ruling alliance's favour.

Row Over Deepak Prakash's Exclusion

The day was not without controversy. Questions were raised over the omission of former BJP state president Deepak Prakash from the NDA's candidate list. Bihar Minister Shravan Kumar of the JD(U) responded that the decision rested entirely with the BJP, and the party ultimately chose not to field Prakash. The exclusion is likely to fuel internal discussion within the BJP's Bihar unit in the days ahead.

With nominations now closed, the Bihar MLC election contest is set to proceed, with the NDA holding a commanding numerical edge over the Mahagathbandhan's lone candidate.