Bihar’s RJD announced its 143 candidates for the upcoming assembly elections, asserting its dominance in the Mahagathbandhan despite internal tensions. The party aims to unseat chief minister Nitish Kumar, with Tejashwi Yadav’s political future at stake. The alliance faces challenges with overlapping candidacies and ambiguity over a chief ministerial face. NEW DELHI: Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Bihar assembly’s single-largest party and the main opposition force, marked Diwali on Monday by announcing its list of 143 candidates. The move asserts RJD’s dominant position within the Mahagathbandhan even as tensions simmer among allies.Led by Tejashwi, the party aims to unseat chief minister Nitish Kumar, who has anti-incumbency as a negative factor after years in power. For RJD, long led by Lalu Prasad Yadav, this election is crucial, a battle that could define Tejashwi’s political future.Decoding RJD’s list and Mahagathbandhan equations -The announcement came on the last day of nominations for the second phase, confirming that RJD will contest 143 seats, Congress 61, CPI(ML) 20, and the remaining few likely going to Mukesh Sahani’s VIP.RJD scion Tejashwi will contest again from Raghopur, while several key names feature in the list, including Renu Kushwaha from Bihariganj, Anita Devi Mahto from Warsaliganj, and Mala Pushpam from Hasanpur. Other candidates include Sandhya Rani Kushwaha from Madhuban, Ritu Priya Chaudhary from Imamganj (SC), Tanushree Manjhi from Barachatti (SC), and Chandni Devi Singh from Baniapur.Overlaps and tensions within Mahagathbandhan campIn a sign of strain within the alliance, RJD and Congress have fielded rival candidates in several constituencies.In Narkatiaganj, Deepak Yadav (RJD) faces Shaswat Kedar Pandey (Congress); in Kahalgaon, Rajnish Bharti (RJD) goes up against Praveen Singh Kushwaha (Congress); and in Sikandra (SC), Uday Narayan Chaudhary (RJD) faces Vinod Chaudhary (Congress).Another constituent of the alliance, CPI too faces Congress in Bachhwara, Rajapakar, Rosera, and Biharsharif, while RJD is directly up against Congress in Vaishali, Warisaliganj, Lalganj, and Kahalgaon.Caste arithmetic and women representationRJD’s list clearly reflects its focus on the traditional Muslim-Yadav (MY) equation, with over 50 tickets allotted to these communities. Of the total 143 candidates, 23 are women, marking an effort to broaden the party’s appeal.The party also handed a ticket to the late gangster-politician and former RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin’s son from Siwan’s Raghunathpur, reinforcing ties to its old base.Family rivalry: RJD vs Tej Pratap in MahuaA key highlight is the battle for Mahua, where RJD’s Mukesh Raushan will face Tej Pratap Yadav, Lalu’s elder son, who was expelled from the party earlier this year. Tej Pratap has since launched his own party, Janshakti Janata Dal, and announced himself as candidate from Mahua, an RJD stronghold. The family feud adds personal drama to the already tense political equation.Strongholds and familiar facesSeveral incumbents and loyalists have retained their seats. A Yadav continues from Sonepur in Saran district, Lalu’s home turf, while Bhai Virendra from Maner and Ritlal Rai from Danapur also feature on the list. Both seats fall within the Pataliputra Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Misa Bharti, Lalu’s daughter, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.Alliance unity under questionDespite releasing its list, the Mahagathbandhan has yet to formally announce a chief ministerial candidate. While Tejashwi’s leadership is widely recognised, Rahul Gandhi’s avoidance of naming him as the CM face at a joint rally has fuelled speculation of unease within the alliance.The overlapping seats and leadership ambiguity could end up benefiting the ruling NDA.Bihar, India’s fourth-largest assembly, will go to polls in two phases — November 6 and November 11 — with counting on November 14.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Naxal-Maoist Terror Nearly Wiped Out Across India’: PM Modi Hails Police, CRPF, BSF10 Key Facts About Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant, Where PM Modi Celebrated Diwali With Naval Officers’You Gave Sleepless Nights To Pak’: PM Modi Hails INS Vikrant and BrahMos Role in Operation SindoorAyodhya Sets 2 Guinness World Records With Over 26 Lakh Diyas & Largest Saryu Aarti During Deepotsav‘7 Planes Were Shot Down’: Trump Repeats Claim Of Solving India-Pak ‘War’ Using ‘200% Tariff’ ThreatKuala Lumpur’s Little India Bazaar Bursts With Festive Spirit Despite Rising Costs in MalaysiaIndia Upgrades BrahMos Missile Strike Range to 800 Kms, Signals Strategic Shift to Pakistan, China’PM Modi Agreed To Stop Russian Oil’: Donald Trump Issues Harsh Warning To India Over Energy TiesAyodhya Shines Bright as Millions of Diyas Light Up Deepotsav 2025‘SP Against Indian Traditions?’ BJP Criticizes SP Chief for Diwali Lighting Remarks123 Photostories 11 traditional Japanese snacks to try on your next trip to JapanBollywood couples celebrating their first diwali with their newborns: From Parineeti Chopra-Raghav Chadha to Arbaaz Khan-Sshura KhanInside PM Modi’s Diwali celebrations with Navy personnel on INS Vikrant — In picturesWhat makes the Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram a UNESCO World Heritage Site?Photos: Bengaluru’s Ejipura Flyover Taking Shape Ahead of June 2026 Deadline; DK Shivakumar Inspects SiteHarvard gastroenterologist warns against three foods that quietly raise cancer riskFrom ‘Om Shanti Om’ to ‘Student of the Year’: When Bollywood stars looked back at where it all beganHow to deal with annoying and toxic people: 5 powerful psychology-backed tips to protect your peaceLatest OTT releases this Diwali week: ‘They Call Him OG’ to ‘Nobody Wants This Season 2’6 ways to prepare for your first job after graduating123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingLauren KyleHow to get Greninjite in Pokemon LegendsAdam SandlerEmiru attackDurgapur Gang RapeLauren KyleDoug Martin Net WorthDaug Martin Cause of DeathChris JonesStephanie Lachances

Bihar’s RJD announced its 143 candidates for the upcoming assembly elections, asserting its dominance in the Mahagathbandhan despite internal tensions. The party aims to unseat chief minister Nitish Kumar, with Tejashwi Yadav’s political future at stake. The alliance faces challenges with overlapping candidacies and ambiguity over a chief ministerial face.  NEW DELHI: Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Bihar assembly’s single-largest party and the main opposition force, marked Diwali on Monday by announcing its list of 143 candidates. The move asserts RJD’s dominant position within the Mahagathbandhan even as tensions simmer among allies.Led by Tejashwi, the party aims to unseat chief minister Nitish Kumar, who has anti-incumbency as a negative factor after years in power. For RJD, long led by Lalu Prasad Yadav, this election is crucial, a battle that could define Tejashwi’s political future.Decoding RJD’s list and Mahagathbandhan equations -The announcement came on the last day of nominations for the second phase, confirming that RJD will contest 143 seats, Congress 61, CPI(ML) 20, and the remaining few likely going to Mukesh Sahani’s VIP.RJD scion Tejashwi will contest again from Raghopur, while several key names feature in the list, including Renu Kushwaha from Bihariganj, Anita Devi Mahto from Warsaliganj, and Mala Pushpam from Hasanpur. Other candidates include Sandhya Rani Kushwaha from Madhuban, Ritu Priya Chaudhary from Imamganj (SC), Tanushree Manjhi from Barachatti (SC), and Chandni Devi Singh from Baniapur.Overlaps and tensions within Mahagathbandhan campIn a sign of strain within the alliance, RJD and Congress have fielded rival candidates in several constituencies.In Narkatiaganj, Deepak Yadav (RJD) faces Shaswat Kedar Pandey (Congress); in Kahalgaon, Rajnish Bharti (RJD) goes up against Praveen Singh Kushwaha (Congress); and in Sikandra (SC), Uday Narayan Chaudhary (RJD) faces Vinod Chaudhary (Congress).Another constituent of the alliance, CPI too faces Congress in Bachhwara, Rajapakar, Rosera, and Biharsharif, while RJD is directly up against Congress in Vaishali, Warisaliganj, Lalganj, and Kahalgaon.Caste arithmetic and women representationRJD’s list clearly reflects its focus on the traditional Muslim-Yadav (MY) equation, with over 50 tickets allotted to these communities. Of the total 143 candidates, 23 are women, marking an effort to broaden the party’s appeal.The party also handed a ticket to the late gangster-politician and former RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin’s son from Siwan’s Raghunathpur, reinforcing ties to its old base.Family rivalry: RJD vs Tej Pratap in MahuaA key highlight is the battle for Mahua, where RJD’s Mukesh Raushan will face Tej Pratap Yadav, Lalu’s elder son, who was expelled from the party earlier this year. Tej Pratap has since launched his own party, Janshakti Janata Dal, and announced himself as candidate from Mahua, an RJD stronghold. The family feud adds personal drama to the already tense political equation.Strongholds and familiar facesSeveral incumbents and loyalists have retained their seats. A Yadav continues from Sonepur in Saran district, Lalu’s home turf, while Bhai Virendra from Maner and Ritlal Rai from Danapur also feature on the list. Both seats fall within the Pataliputra Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Misa Bharti, Lalu’s daughter, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.Alliance unity under questionDespite releasing its list, the Mahagathbandhan has yet to formally announce a chief ministerial candidate. While Tejashwi’s leadership is widely recognised, Rahul Gandhi’s avoidance of naming him as the CM face at a joint rally has fuelled speculation of unease within the alliance.The overlapping seats and leadership ambiguity could end up benefiting the ruling NDA.Bihar, India’s fourth-largest assembly, will go to polls in two phases — November 6 and November 11 — with counting on November 14.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Naxal-Maoist Terror Nearly Wiped Out Across India’: PM Modi Hails Police, CRPF, BSF10 Key Facts About Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant, Where PM Modi Celebrated Diwali With Naval Officers’You Gave Sleepless Nights To Pak’: PM Modi Hails INS Vikrant and BrahMos Role in Operation SindoorAyodhya Sets 2 Guinness World Records With Over 26 Lakh Diyas & Largest Saryu Aarti During Deepotsav‘7 Planes Were Shot Down’: Trump Repeats Claim Of Solving India-Pak ‘War’ Using ‘200% Tariff’ ThreatKuala Lumpur’s Little India Bazaar Bursts With Festive Spirit Despite Rising Costs in MalaysiaIndia Upgrades BrahMos Missile Strike Range to 800 Kms, Signals Strategic Shift to Pakistan, China’PM Modi Agreed To Stop Russian Oil’: Donald Trump Issues Harsh Warning To India Over Energy TiesAyodhya Shines Bright as Millions of Diyas Light Up Deepotsav 2025‘SP Against Indian Traditions?’ BJP Criticizes SP Chief for Diwali Lighting Remarks123 Photostories  11 traditional Japanese snacks to try on your next trip to JapanBollywood couples celebrating their first diwali with their newborns: From Parineeti Chopra-Raghav Chadha to Arbaaz Khan-Sshura KhanInside PM Modi’s Diwali celebrations with Navy personnel on INS Vikrant — In picturesWhat makes the Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram a UNESCO World Heritage Site?Photos: Bengaluru’s Ejipura Flyover Taking Shape Ahead of June 2026 Deadline; DK Shivakumar Inspects SiteHarvard gastroenterologist warns against three foods that quietly raise cancer riskFrom ‘Om Shanti Om’ to ‘Student of the Year’: When Bollywood stars looked back at where it all beganHow to deal with annoying and toxic people: 5 powerful psychology-backed tips to protect your peaceLatest OTT releases this Diwali week: ‘They Call Him OG’ to ‘Nobody Wants This Season 2’6 ways to prepare for your first job after graduating123Hot PicksDhanteras Gold PriceVande Bharat SleeperBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays OctoberBank Holidays OctoberTop TrendingLauren KyleHow to get Greninjite in Pokemon LegendsAdam SandlerEmiru attackDurgapur Gang RapeLauren KyleDoug Martin Net WorthDaug Martin Cause of DeathChris JonesStephanie Lachances


Bihar polls: RJD names 143 candidates, Tejashwi to fight from Raghopur; deep cracks in MGB - check full list

NEW DELHI: Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Bihar assembly’s single-largest party and the main opposition force, marked Diwali on Monday by announcing its list of 143 candidates. The move asserts RJD’s dominant position within the Mahagathbandhan even as tensions simmer among allies.Led by Tejashwi, the party aims to unseat chief minister Nitish Kumar, who has anti-incumbency as a negative factor after years in power. For RJD, long led by Lalu Prasad Yadav, this election is crucial, a battle that could define Tejashwi’s political future.

Decoding RJD’s list and Mahagathbandhan equations –

The announcement came on the last day of nominations for the second phase, confirming that RJD will contest 143 seats, Congress 61, CPI(ML) 20, and the remaining few likely going to Mukesh Sahani’s VIP.RJD scion Tejashwi will contest again from Raghopur, while several key names feature in the list, including Renu Kushwaha from Bihariganj, Anita Devi Mahto from Warsaliganj, and Mala Pushpam from Hasanpur. Other candidates include Sandhya Rani Kushwaha from Madhuban, Ritu Priya Chaudhary from Imamganj (SC), Tanushree Manjhi from Barachatti (SC), and Chandni Devi Singh from Baniapur.

Overlaps and tensions within Mahagathbandhan camp

In a sign of strain within the alliance, RJD and Congress have fielded rival candidates in several constituencies.In Narkatiaganj, Deepak Yadav (RJD) faces Shaswat Kedar Pandey (Congress); in Kahalgaon, Rajnish Bharti (RJD) goes up against Praveen Singh Kushwaha (Congress); and in Sikandra (SC), Uday Narayan Chaudhary (RJD) faces Vinod Chaudhary (Congress).

Bihar assembly elections 2025

Another constituent of the alliance, CPI too faces Congress in Bachhwara, Rajapakar, Rosera, and Biharsharif, while RJD is directly up against Congress in Vaishali, Warisaliganj, Lalganj, and Kahalgaon.

Caste arithmetic and women representation

RJD’s list clearly reflects its focus on the traditional Muslim-Yadav (MY) equation, with over 50 tickets allotted to these communities. Of the total 143 candidates, 23 are women, marking an effort to broaden the party’s appeal.The party also handed a ticket to the late gangster-politician and former RJD MP Mohammad Shahabuddin’s son from Siwan’s Raghunathpur, reinforcing ties to its old base.

Family rivalry: RJD vs Tej Pratap in Mahua

A key highlight is the battle for Mahua, where RJD’s Mukesh Raushan will face Tej Pratap Yadav, Lalu’s elder son, who was expelled from the party earlier this year. Tej Pratap has since launched his own party, Janshakti Janata Dal, and announced himself as candidate from Mahua, an RJD stronghold. The family feud adds personal drama to the already tense political equation.

Strongholds and familiar faces

Several incumbents and loyalists have retained their seats. A Yadav continues from Sonepur in Saran district, Lalu’s home turf, while Bhai Virendra from Maner and Ritlal Rai from Danapur also feature on the list. Both seats fall within the Pataliputra Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Misa Bharti, Lalu’s daughter, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Alliance unity under question

Despite releasing its list, the Mahagathbandhan has yet to formally announce a chief ministerial candidate. While Tejashwi’s leadership is widely recognised, Rahul Gandhi’s avoidance of naming him as the CM face at a joint rally has fuelled speculation of unease within the alliance.The overlapping seats and leadership ambiguity could end up benefiting the ruling NDA.Bihar, India’s fourth-largest assembly, will go to polls in two phases — November 6 and November 11 — with counting on November 14.





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