Cong names 48 candidates for Bihar elections

A day before the nomination deadline for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Congress on Thursday released its first list of 48 candidates, signalling that it will go ahead with its poll plans even as uncertainty persists over a seat-sharing deal within the Mahagathbandhan.

The list, approved by the grand old party’s Central Election Committee (CEC), includes 24 candidates each for the two phases of polling scheduled on November 6 and November 11. The move comes amid simmering tension and discussions going on between alliance partners over seat distribution.

According to the sources, the RJD is likely to contest around 136 seats, the Congress 60-62 and Left parties will collectively get around 30 seats. The Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) may be allotted 18 seats.

Among the key faces fielded by the party are state Congress president Rajesh Ram, sitting MLA Shakeel Ahmad Khan from Kadwa, senior leader Dr Chandan Yadav from Khagaria, Abhishek Ranjan from Chanpatia and Amita Bhushan from Begusarai.

In Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s bastion, Nalanda, the party has pitted Kaushlendra Kumar alias “Chote Mukhiya” in what is seen as a symbolic challenge to the JD(U)’s dominance in the region.

The Congress has also attempted to balance caste and regional equations, giving representation to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women across both phases. Sarita Devi from Sonbarsha (SC), Pratima Kumari from Raja Pakar (SC) and Nitu Kumari from Hisua feature among the women candidates.

The list spans politically sensitive constituencies such as Bettiah, Muzaffarpur, Patna Sahib, Buxar and Aurangabad, each of which has witnessed close contests in previous elections. The inclusion of new and younger faces like Shashant Shekhar from Patna Sahib also reflects the party’s attempt to inject fresh energy into its campaign.

The Congress, which contested 70 seats in the 2020 Assembly polls and won 19, is eyeing a broader footprint this time even as the RJD is reportedly reluctant to part with a similar number. Sources said the final seat-sharing formula may still undergo minor adjustments before the second phase nominations.