In a key political development ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the Janata Dal (United), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has announced its first list of 57 candidates. The move comes a day after its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners — the BJP and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) — declared their candidates. The JD(U) list reflects a careful balance between experience, caste representation, and regional diversity, signaling a strategic shift in the party’s electoral approach.
The JD(U) has retained 23 sitting MLAs, including several senior leaders who hold crucial portfolios in the Nitish Kumar government. Among them are Vijay Kumar Choudhary (Sarairanjan), Bijendra Prasad Yadav (Supaul), Shrawon Kumar (Nalanda), Maheshwar Hazari (Kalyanpur), and Kaushal Kishore (Rajgir). Choudhary is one of Nitish Kumar’s key ministers, Hazari currently serves as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, while Yadav and Shrawon Kumar are among the most experienced figures in Bihar’s political landscape.
In an apparent bid to refresh its image and strengthen grassroots connections, the JD(U) has also introduced several new faces and former MLAs. These include Ishwar Mandal (Darbhanga Rural), Komal Singh (Gai Ghat), Sunil Kumar (Bhoj), Mahendra Ram (Rajapakar), Umesh Singh Kushwaha (Mahnar), and Chaviketa Mandal (Jamalpur). The inclusion of these candidates highlights the party’s attempt to strike a balance between loyalty, performance, and changing demographic patterns.
Interestingly, the party has replaced candidates in several constituencies compared to the 2020 elections. Leaders such as Ashok Kumar (Warisnagar), Binay Kumar Chaudhary (Benipur), Nikhil Mandal (Madhepura), and Manoj Kumar (Minapur) have been dropped, indicating a performance-based selection policy. New contenders have been introduced in Sandesh and Jagdeeshpur, signaling the JD(U)’s renewed focus on local dynamics.
Women representation remains a priority, with four women candidates featured in the list — Kavita Saha (Madhepura), Asha Devi (Samastipur), Raveena Kushwaha (Bibhutipur), and Komal Singh (Gai Ghat). The list also includes candidates for 12 SC-reserved seats and one ST-reserved seat, underlining the party’s commitment to social inclusivity.
Meanwhile, NDA allies have finalized their picks. The BJP has fielded Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary from Tarapur, a seat historically held by the JD(U)**. The *LJP (Ram Vilas)* led by Chirag Paswan has named candidates for four constituencies, including Bakhri (SC), Garkha (SC), Brahmpur, and Govindganj.
With this announcement, the JD(U) has set the tone for a fierce electoral contest, aiming to consolidate its base while adapting to Bihar’s evolving political and social landscape.