Bihar Elections 2025: JDU announces first list; Names of 57 candidates out

JDU takes the lead in Bihar’s election race, unveiling its first list of 57 candidates. With Nitish Kumar’s hand in every pick, some veterans stay while surprise new faces hint at a shift in the party’s election strategy.

Patna: As the political battle for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 heats up, the Janata Dal (United)- JD(U) has released its first list of candidates, naming 57 contenders for various constituencies.

The list, prepared under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, includes several sitting MLAs who have been given another chance to contest. Alongside them, the party has also introduced a few new faces to the electoral battlefield. 

Bihar Elections: EC seizes Rs 33.97 crore in 3 days; Cracks down on cash, liquor, and freebies

Key candidates are

The announcement lists candidates for the four seats targeted by Chirag Paswan, underscoring the party's firm intention to contest these constituencies. 

Other key candidates announced include:

Narendra Narayan Yadav from Alamnagar

Niranjan Kumar Mehta from Bihariganj

Ramesh Rishi Dev from Singheshwar

Kavita Saha from Madhepura

Gandeshwar Shah from Mahisi

Atirek Kumar from Kusheshwarsthan

Selection based on performance

According to party sources, the selection process was based on performance, public connect, and regional balance. The JD(U) leadership aims to strengthen its position across key districts before finalizing the next phase of candidates.

With this announcement, the election race in Bihar has officially intensified, as other major parties, including the RJD, BJP, and Congress, are also expected to release their lists soon. 

Party will contest 101 seats

As per the NDA seat-sharing agreement, the party will contest 101 seats, the same number allocated to the BJP, which was also the first NDA ally to release its candidate list.

The JDU has now announced its candidates, but the move has sparked objections from several leaders over the distribution of tickets. Earlier on Tuesday, party MP Ajay Mandal resigned, citing displeasure that he was not consulted during the ticket allocation process. 

Bihar Election Turmoil: Cracks in NDA over seat-sharing; Upendra Kushwaha says ‘nothing is well’

Meanwhile, sitting JD(U) MLA Gopal Mandal staged a sit-in protest outside Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s residence for over four hours, demanding a ticket. The four-time MLA declared that he would not leave until he was assured of a ticket for the upcoming election.