In a significant move ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Congress party has announced its first list of 48 candidates. The selection, revealed Thursday night, highlights a deliberate emphasis on women and minority representation, with five women and four Muslim nominees making the cut. State Congress chief Rajesh Ram is set to contest from Kutumba, while veteran leader Shakeel Ahmed will fight for the Kadwa seat. The party has placed its trust in experience by re-nominating eleven incumbent MLAs, representing constituencies like Katihar, Vaishali, and Nawada. However, not all incumbents were successful, with Chhatrapati Yadav from Khagaria being replaced by Chandan Yadav. This candidate announcement follows intensive internal discussions and strategic analyses. The Congress has reportedly analyzed caste equations, social demographics, and past electoral data for each seat to optimize its chances. This comprehensive approach is crucial for the party as it navigates seat-sharing talks within the INDIA alliance and seeks to rebuild its electoral base. The Bihar polls are scheduled to begin on November 6.
