Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) has released its first list of 57 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, igniting significant tension with ally Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). The JD(U) has nominated candidates for four seats that were reportedly claimed by Chirag Paswan’s party, a move widely seen as a power play ahead of final seat-sharing agreements. This has placed the LJP(RV) in a difficult spot, potentially forcing them to concede ground or challenge the JD(U)’s assertive stance within the NDA. The candidate list includes five current ministers: Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Shravan Kumar, Sunil Kumar, Kaushal Kishore, and Maheshwar Hazari. Notable and sometimes controversial figures, such as Anant Singh from Mokama, are also included, reflecting a strategic blend of established leaders and those with strong local appeal. Other significant nominations include Umesh Khushwaha, Narendra Narayan Yadav, and Niranjan Kumar Mehta. Minor alterations to the list have occurred, with candidate changes in Kusheshwarsthan and Barbigha. As the elections approach, scheduled for November 6 and 11 with counting on November 14, this JDU announcement marks a critical juncture for NDA unity in Bihar.
