Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: Congress announces second list of candidates, fields fresh faces

Key candidates announced

According to the latest list, Shaswat Pandey will contest from Narkatiaganj, Jitender Yadav from Purnia, Mohammad Qamrul Hoda from Kishanganj, Mohammad Irfan Alam from Kasba, and Mohan Shrivastava from Gaya Town. These selections reflect the party’s attempt to balance youth engagement with experienced leadership in strategically significant constituencies.

First list featured 48 names

Earlier this week, Congress had released its first list comprising 48 candidates, which included several prominent leaders. State Congress president Rajesh Ram was fielded from the Kutumba constituency, while CLP leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan was nominated from Kadwa. The party also placed Bihar Youth Congress chief Prakash Garib Das from Bachhwada, Jayesh Mangal Singh from Bagaha, and Amit Giri from Nautan.

Strategy ahead of nomination deadline

The release of candidate lists comes even as seat-sharing talks with Mahagathbandhan allies, primarily the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Left parties, are still underway. The Congress, however, appears determined to proceed with its internal preparations without delay. The last date for filing nominations for the first phase of polling is October 17, followed by October 20 for the second phase.

Strengthening regional presence

Party insiders suggest that the second list demonstrates an effort to strengthen the Congress’s organisational presence across northern and central Bihar. By fielding a mix of young aspirants and seasoned names, the Congress aims to reconnect with traditional vote bases and position itself as a credible contender in crucial constituencies ahead of the polls.

Bihar polling dates and results

Bihar is set to go to the polls in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the results scheduled for announcement on November 14. The political atmosphere in the state has grown increasingly charged as the election dates draw near.

Opposition faces internal divisions

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor stirred the political discourse on Saturday by predicting that the Mahagathbandhan, also known as the INDIA alliance, would finish third in the upcoming elections. He asserted that the real contest is between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Jan Suraaj, dismissing the impact of the opposition coalition.

Kishor's remarks were echoed by internal discord within the Mahagathbandhan. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a key ally in the opposition INDIA bloc and ruling party in Jharkhand, announced it will contest the Bihar elections independently on six seats, citing differences in strategy and candidate selection with other alliance partners.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari weighed in on the rivalry, alleging a "tug of war" between the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, further highlighting the lack of unity in the Mahagathbandhan. Reports suggest disagreements over seat sharing, with both RJD and Congress fielding candidates against each other's leaders in various constituencies.

Electioneering intensifies

As polling day approaches, election campaigns have ramped up, particularly in constituencies voting in the first phase. The complex alliances, strategic repositioning, and public statements from major leaders are shaping what promises to be a closely watched electoral battle in Bihar.