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Bihar Polls: JD(U) Adds 4 Muslim Candidates Amid First List Criticism

The JD(U) has intensified its election preparations with this second candidate list. This move represents a course correction after their first list faced criticism for excluding Muslim candidates. The party is strategically balancing experienced leaders with fresh faces to appeal to diverse voter bases. With 101 candidates now declared, the NDA's seat-sharing picture is nearly complete for the Bihar elections.

Key Points: JD(U) Releases Second List of 44 Candidates for Bihar Elections

  • JD(U) releases second candidate list featuring 44 names for Bihar Assembly elections
  • Includes four Muslim candidates after first list drew criticism
  • Combines experienced leaders like Leshi Singh with young faces
  • Party aims for social inclusivity and regional representation balance
2 min read

Bihar polls: JD(U) releases second list of 44 candidates, including four Muslims

JD(U) announces 44 candidates including 4 Muslim leaders for Bihar 2025 polls, balancing experience with fresh faces under Nitish Kumar's leadership.

"The list was prepared with the goal of ensuring inclusive development under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership - JD(U) Statement"

Patna, Oct 16

The Janata Dal (United) on Thursday released its second list of candidates for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.

The list features 44 candidates, including several influential leaders, sitting MLAs, and young faces from various social and professional backgrounds, reflecting the party's attempt to balance experience with fresh energy.

With this second list, the party has now intensified its election preparations.

In a statement, the JD(U) congratulated all its candidates, saying the list was prepared with the goal of ensuring inclusive development under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership.

The list includes prominent leaders such as Dhirendra Pratap Singh alias Rinku Singh (Valmikinagar), Leshi Singh (Dhamdaha), Jayant Raj (Amarpur), Mahabali Singh (Karakat), and Sumit Kumar Singh (Chakai).

Other names include Samridh Verma (Sikta), Shweta Gupta (Sheohar), Pankaj Mishra (Runnisaidpur), Sudhanshu Shekhar (Harlakhi), Meena Kamat (Babubarhi), Sheela Mandal (Phulparas), Satish Sah (Laukaha), Aniruddh Prasad Yadav (Nirmali), Vijendra Prasad Yadav (Supaul), Bulo Mandal (Gopalpur), Lalit Narayan Mandal (Sultanganj), Manorama Devi (Belaganj), Chetan Anand (Navinagar) and Vibha Devi (Nawada).

Significantly, the JD(U) has included four Muslim candidates in this list - a move seen as a course correction after the party's first list, which featured no Muslim candidates, drew criticism.

The Muslim candidates in the second list are Janab Manzar Alam (Jokihat), Jama Khan (Chainpur), Saba Zafar (Aamour), and Shagufta Azim (Araria).

Political observers note that this inclusion indicates Nitish Kumar's effort to retain minority support and balance the NDA's overall social outreach, especially after the BJP's candidate lists excluded Muslim names altogether.

The second list showcases the strategy of the JD(U) of combining social inclusivity, regional representation, and loyalty.

The inclusion of seasoned faces like Leshi Singh and Mahabali Singh alongside younger leaders such as Shweta Gupta and Samridh Verma suggests the party's attempt to appeal to both rural and urban voters.

With this list, the JD(U) has now declared 101 candidates across two phases, leaving the NDA's seat-sharing picture almost complete.

The party's next focus will be on grassroots mobilisation and campaign coordination across all constituencies.

Bihar will vote in two phases - November 6 and November 11, with results to be declared on November 14.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some balance in candidate selection! The mix of experienced leaders and young faces like Shweta Gupta is promising. Hope they deliver on development promises for all sections of society.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the inclusive approach, this feels like damage control after the backlash on the first list. Parties should plan representation properly from the beginning, not as an afterthought.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the strategic balancing act. The combination of rural stalwarts like Leshi Singh with urban youth candidates shows JD(U) is trying to cover all bases. Bihar elections are always fascinating to watch!
V
Vikram M
Good move by Nitish Kumar. Bihar needs development for everyone, regardless of community. Hope these candidates focus on real issues like employment, education, and infrastructure rather than just identity politics.
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Nisha Z
Happy to see women candidates getting representation too! Shweta Gupta, Meena Kamat, Sheela Mandal, Manorama Devi, Vibha Devi - this is progress for Bihar politics. More women in leadership roles will bring positive change 💪

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