New Delhi: The Congress party on Saturday released its second list of candidates for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, announcing five names for crucial constituencies across the state.
As per the list, Shaswat Kedar Pandey has been fielded from Narkatiaganj, while Qamrul Hoda will contest from Kishanganj. Irfan Alam, Jitender Yadav, and Mohan Shrivasta have been nominated from Kasba, Purnia, and Gaya Town respectively.
Earlier, on October 17, the party had released its first list of 48 candidates, signaling the Congress’s readiness for an intense electoral battle in Bihar.
Mahagathbandhan Seat-Sharing Challenges
The Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) — which includes the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress — is yet to finalize a formal seat-sharing arrangement for the first phase of the Bihar elections. The nomination process for the first phase ended on Friday, leaving several alliance partners in a “friendly contest” on multiple seats.
Despite public claims of unity, reports suggest internal disagreements between the Congress and RJD over key constituencies and leadership roles.
Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishor Takes a Dig at Opposition Bloc
Taking a swipe at the opposition alliance, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Saturday claimed that the INDIA bloc, of which the Mahagathbandhan is a part, would “finish third” in the Bihar polls.
“INDIA alliance is going to finish third this time. The fight is between the NDA and Jan Suraaj,”
Kishor told reporters, asserting that his party is emerging as a strong challenger to both national alliances.
JMM to Contest Independently in Bihar
In a significant political development, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) announced that it will contest the Bihar elections independently, distancing itself from the Mahagathbandhan.
Supriyo Bhattacharya, JMM general secretary and spokesperson, confirmed that the party will field candidates in six constituencies — Dhamdaha, Chakai, Katoria, Manihari, Jamui, and Pirpainti.
“The situation everywhere is different. Why is Congress contesting against RJD? Why is CPI contesting against VIP? Election strategies change,” Bhattacharya said, explaining the party’s decision.
BJP Slams Mahagathbandhan Over ‘Internal Rift’
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seized the opportunity to attack the opposition alliance, alleging chaos and infighting within the Mahagathbandhan.
Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari claimed that “a tug of war” has erupted between the RJD and Congress, with party workers clashing on the ground.
“Aapsi ladai ke patake Mahagathbandhan main phoot rahe hain,” Bhandari said, suggesting that internal discord is weakening the opposition.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bhandari added:
“Mahagathbandhan in Bihar has still not officially announced its seat sharing. There are reports that RJD wants to field a candidate against the Congress Bihar President. RJD and Congress workers are fighting each other on the ground.”
He further stated that RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahni have been “humiliated by Congress and Rahul Gandhi,” claiming they have “no face to show their workers.”
Bihar Election Schedule
The Bihar Assembly elections 2025 will be conducted in two phases, on November 6 and 11, with results to be declared on November 14. The campaign has gained momentum as political parties ramp up their outreach efforts across constituencies heading to polls in the first phase.
Congress Releases Second List Of Candidates For Bihar Assembly Elections 2025
