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Key Points

The Congress party has strategically selected 25 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, signaling its preparation for the polls. Top party leaders, including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, participated in a crucial Central Election Committee meeting to finalize initial candidate names. Seat-sharing talks continue with alliance partners RJD and Left parties, with the Congress expecting to contest around 55-60 seats. The elections, scheduled for November 6 and 11, represent a critical opportunity for the opposition to challenge the incumbent NDA government.

Key Points: Congress Finalizes Bihar Polls Candidates Amid RJD Alliance Talks

  • Congress aims to contest 55-60 seats in Bihar Assembly polls
  • High-level CEC meeting finalizes initial candidate list
  • Sonia and Rahul Gandhi participate virtually in strategy discussions
  • Seat-sharing negotiations ongoing with RJD and Left parties
2 min read

Congress finalises 25 candidates for Bihar Assembly polls, seat-sharing talks continue

Congress selects 25 candidates for Bihar Assembly polls, continues seat-sharing negotiations with Mahagathbandhan allies RJD and Left parties

"There is no infighting among alliance partners. We will jointly announce the final list after mutual agreement. - Rajesh Ram, Bihar Congress Chief"

New Delhi, Oct 8

In a strategic move ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Congress has cleared the names of 25 candidates for constituencies considered its traditional strongholds.

The decision was made during a high-level meeting of the party's Central Election Committee (CEC) held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Indira Bhawan, Delhi.

The meeting, which comes amid ongoing seat-sharing negotiations with Mahagathbandhan allies -- primarily the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Left parties -- was attended by top Congress leaders.

Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi participated virtually, while K.C. Venugopal, Ajay Maken, and other senior functionaries were present in person.

According to Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Ram, the seats discussed are those already cleared by coalition partners and historically held by the Congress.

"We emphasised that these constituencies should remain with us, and candidate names were finalised after thorough deliberations," he stated.

However, the official announcement of candidates will be made only after further consultations with alliance partners and state leaders.

The Congress is expected to contest 55 to 60 seats out of the total 243 in Bihar, as part of the Mahagathbandhan alliance. The remaining seat-sharing details are still under negotiation, with leaders expressing optimism about a smooth resolution.

"There is no infighting among alliance partners. We will jointly announce the final list after mutual agreement," Rajesh Ram added.

Congress Legislative Party leader Shakeel Ahmed told IANS that the CEC has approved candidates for constituencies considered party bastions. Meanwhile, Mohammed Jawaid, Congress MP from Kishanganj and CEC member, reiterated that senior leaders were actively involved in the selection process.

The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with vote counting set for November 14.

The Mahagathbandhan bloc, led by the RJD, aims to challenge the incumbent NDA government, making this election a critical test for opposition unity and strategy.

As the political landscape in Bihar heats up, all eyes are on how the final seat-sharing formula unfolds and whether the Congress can reclaim its influence in the state.

On the Congress Central Election Committee meeting, Khan further said: "Our discussions have been completed. Now, only the discussions with the alliance partners are left, and those will also be completed soon."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why are they finalizing candidates before seat-sharing talks complete? This could create confusion among alliance partners. Better to coordinate properly first rather than rushing announcements.
S
Sarah B
As someone following Bihar politics closely, Congress needs to focus on their traditional seats where they have strong organizational presence. Spreading too thin across 60 seats might backfire. Quality over quantity!
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Arjun K
Finally some action from Congress! Hope they select candidates based on merit and not just political connections. Bihar needs development-focused leaders who can deliver on promises. 🙏
M
Michael C
The virtual participation of Gandhi family shows they're taking Bihar seriously. But I hope local leaders get more say in candidate selection rather than everything being decided in Delhi.
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Nisha Z
Seat-sharing talks always create tension in alliances. Hope Congress and RJD can work out a fair formula that benefits both parties and strengthens the opposition unity. Jai Bihar! 🚩

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