The Janata Dal (United) on Wednesday released its first list of 57 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, including four constituencies claimed by Chirag Paswan’s party. Key candidates named include Ratnesh Sada from Sonbarsa, Vidyasagar Nishad from Morwa, Dhumal Singh from Ekma, and Kaushal Kishore from Rajgir. JDU sources confirmed the party’s firm decision to retain these “stronghold” seats, despite repeated negotiations with alliance partners.
Among other notable names, Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary has been given a ticket from Sarai Ranjan, reaffirming his central role in JDU’s poll strategy. Several seat changes were also observed: Atirek Kumar replaces Aman Bhushan Hazari in Kusheshwarsthan, while Sudarshan’s ticket from Barbigha has been withdrawn, with a replacement yet to be announced. Other candidates include Narendra Narayan Yadav (Alamnagar), Niranjan Kumar Mehta (Bihariganj), Ramesh Rishi Dev (Singheshwar), Kavita Saha (Madhepura), and Gandeshwar Shah (Mahisi).
The move highlights growing tensions within the NDA alliance, as the BJP retained its high-profile constituencies and limited Chirag Paswan’s party to only two seats — Govindganj and Brahmapur. JDU sources stated that the decision to contest these seats was driven by the need to protect its core voter base and maintain organizational integrity, signaling a strategic approach aimed at consolidating its position ahead of the elections.
