Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) unveils its first list of 57 candidates for the Bihar Assembly elections, featuring key ministers and notable turncoats. Voting will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11.

The Janata Dal (United), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has released its first list of 57 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, signaling the start of a high-stakes political battle in the state.

Several sitting ministers — Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Sharwan Kumar, Madan Sahni, Ratnesh Sada, and Maheshwar Hazari — have secured party nominations, reaffirming their central role in JD(U)’s election strategy. State unit president Umesh Kushwaha will contest from Mahnar, while former RJD leader Shyam Rajak, who recently returned to JD(U), has also found a place on the list.

Interestingly, Anant Kumar Singh, a controversial figure and former legislator from Mokama, appears among the nominees, underscoring JD(U)’s focus on both political weight and local influence.

According to the Election Commission’s schedule, voting for the 243-member Bihar Assembly will take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, with counting set for November 14.

Analysis:
JD(U)’s candidate list reflects a careful blend of experience and electoral pragmatism. By re-nominating seasoned ministers while reabsorbing influential defectors, Nitish Kumar seems to be prioritizing winnability over ideology — a pattern often seen in Bihar’s competitive politics. For voters, this lineup signals continuity in governance, but it also raises questions about how effectively the party can address fatigue among traditional supporters. The inclusion of turncoats suggests JD(U) aims to fortify constituencies where local equations matter more than party loyalty.