Digital News Guru Bihar Desk:
BJP Unveils First List of 71 Candidates for Bihar Polls: Mixed Strategy and Surprising Omissions
In a crucial political move ahead of the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday released its first list of 71 candidates. This announcement comes against the backdrop of careful seat-sharing negotiations within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and mounting electioneering ahead of polling on 6 and 11 November.
The BJP is contesting 101 seats in Bihar as per the NDA’s agreement, with the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) also allotted 101 seats, and the remaining seats divided among smaller allies. With 71 names out now, the party still has 30 more candidate announcements to make.
Key Names, Seats & Strategy
The list features several high-profile names and signals BJP’s approach to combining continuity and refreshment.
High Priors: Deputy CMs & Ministers
- Samrat Chaudhary, one of the Deputy Chief Ministers, has been fielded from Tarapur.
- The other Deputy CM, Vijay Kumar Sinha, is contesting from Lakhisarai.
- Nitin Nabin, minister and sitting MLA, is retained by the party, contesting from Bankipur.
- In a notable move, Renu Devi has been picked from Bettiah among the nine women candidates in the list.
- Other prominent names include Ram Kripal Yadav (Danapur), Mangal Pandey (Siwan), Prem Kumar (Gaya), Tarkishore Prasad (Katihar), and Alok Ranjan Jha (Saharsa).
Omissions & Surprises
While the list underscores BJP’s attempt to balance experience and new faces, there are notable exclusions:
- Nand Kishore Yadav, the current Speaker of the Bihar Assembly and longtime BJP heavyweight in Patna Sahib, has been denied a ticket this time around.
- Arun Sinha, another veteran politician, is also not part of this first list, prompting speculation about internal reorientation or strategic repositioning.
These exclusions may indicate BJP’s desire to refresh its slate, manage internal equations, or respond to shifting electoral contours.
Electoral Context & Alliance Dynamics
The timing of the announcement is strategic. With the NDA having finalized seat-sharing terms just days ago, BJP wants to set the electoral narrative early. BJP and JD(U) will each contest 101 seats, with the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) allotted 29, and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) six seats each.
BJP’s early declaration also applies pressure on opposition parties, especially the INDIA bloc alliance, which is yet to finalize its full candidate slate. Party strategists believe that unveiling a credible list early can help shape local battles, influence negotiations with allies, and signal confidence.
Another dimension is caste and regional calculations. By distributing key tickets across important districts and balancing representation, BJP seeks to maximize its appeal and electoral durability.
Voting, Campaign Calendar & Stakes
The Bihar assembly elections will be held in two phases: 6 November and 11 November, with vote counting scheduled for 14 November. The nomination window extends until 17 October.
With the first 71 names out, BJP still has 30 more candidates to announce, possibly after factoring in alliance demands, rival candidates, and last-mile seat negotiations.
Given the complexity of Bihar’s politics—with strong regional identities, caste dynamics, alliance challenges, and volatile voter preferences—the composition of this list will attract close scrutiny in every constituency.
Potential Impacts & Public Perception
This first list does more than simply name contestants; it’s part of the narrative formation for BJP’s campaign.
- Leadership Projection: By placing both Deputy CMs in winnable or strategic seats, BJP is putting forward strong leadership to anchor its campaign.
- Fresh Faces and Change: The dropping of veteran leaders reflects an attempt to rejuvenate party image where needed.
- Message to Allies & Opponents: Early list release pressures allies to finalize their candidates and puts opposition on the back foot.
- Electoral Momentum: Having a credible roster early helps in ground mobilization, local-level preparations, and confidence-building among cadres and supporters.
- Media & Voter Focus: Names like Samrat Chaudhary in Tarapur will dominate media coverage, forcing rivals to define counterarguments.
However, this list is not without risks. Constituents in areas where sitting MLAs are dropped may feel alienated. Internal party factions might bridle at perceived cuts. And 30 remaining seats could become sites of contention, politicking, and compromise.
Conclusion: A Prelude to Fierce Electoral Battle
The BJP’s release of 71 candidates marks a decisive moment in Bihar’s 2025 poll journey. It announces not just who fights but how the party intends to fight—aggressively, early, and with a mix of established faces and new challengers. As the remaining 30 seats get filled, the full electoral tableau will emerge. Until then, this list sets the tone for what promises to be a high-stakes, closely contested assembly election in one of India’s most politically dynamic states.
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