The Janata Dal (United) has unveiled its initial slate of 57 candidates for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, a move that has immediately intensified friction within the NDA, particularly with Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). The JD(U) has fielded nominees for four constituencies previously earmarked by the LJP(RV), a strategic decision signaling the ruling party’s determination to assert its dominance and creating a significant hurdle in ongoing seat-sharing discussions. This bold announcement has placed the LJP(RV) in a precarious situation, facing the prospect of accepting fewer seats or risking an open rift within the alliance. The JD(U) list prominently features five incumbent ministers: Vijay Kumar Choudhary (Sarai Ranjan), Shravan Kumar (Nalanda), Sunil Kumar (Bhore-SC), Kaushal Kishore (Rajgir), and Maheshwar Hazari (Kalyanpur). Additionally, controversial figures like Anant Singh are included, contesting from the high-profile Mokama seat, alongside other influential local leaders. Key candidates across various constituencies include Umesh Khushwaha (Mahanar), Narendra Narayan Yadav (Alamnagar), and Kavita Saha (Madhepura). The list also saw minor adjustments, with Atirek Kumar replacing Aman Bhushan Hazari in Kusheshwarsthan and a withdrawal in Barbigha pending a new announcement. With polling set for November 6 and 11, and results on November 14, this strategic move by the JD(U) sets a challenging stage for alliance negotiations.
