Bihar Elections: Congress Names 48 Candidates, Focus on Women and Muslims

The Congress party has unveiled its initial slate of 48 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, signaling a strategic focus on diversity and representation. Released late Thursday night, the list prominently features five women and four Muslim candidates, underscoring the party’s commitment to inclusive politics. Key figures include State President Rajesh Ram, who will vie for the Kutumba seat, and senior leader Shakeel Ahmed, contesting from Kadwa. This announcement marks a significant step for the Congress as it aims to strengthen its position in the state. The party has also chosen to renominate eleven sitting MLAs, securing their experience across constituencies such as Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, and Buxar. Notably, Chhatrapati Yadav from Khagaria has been replaced by Chandan Yadav. The party’s electoral strategy involves a thorough analysis of caste, social dynamics, and past performance in each constituency, a departure from its previous approach. This meticulous planning comes after a challenging seat-sharing negotiation within the INDIA bloc and recent leadership adjustments aimed at boosting the Congress’s standing. The election process is set to commence with the first phase of voting on November 6.