Patna, Bihar – October 20, 2025:
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has officially announced the names of its candidates for 143 out of the 243 assembly constituencies in Bihar, marking the party’s major step toward the upcoming assembly elections. The party has once again fielded Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav from his traditional stronghold of Raghopur, signaling its confidence in his leadership.
In a strategic move that reflects coordination within the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), the RJD has not announced a candidate from the Kutumba constituency, allowing room for Bihar Pradesh Congress President Rajesh Ram to file his nomination from the seat. This omission is being viewed as a tactical decision aimed at maintaining alliance harmony.
Key Highlights of the Candidate List
The RJD’s official list includes a mix of prominent names, fresh faces, and efforts toward caste, gender, and regional balance:
- Tejashwi Yadav (Raghopur) leads the list as the party’s star candidate.
- Bima Bharti, former minister, has been re-nominated from Rupauli.
- New faces like Veena Devi (Mokama), Reetlal Rai (Danapur), Aniruddh Yadav (Bakhtiyarpur), and Prof. Chandrashekhar (Madhepura) show the party’s intent to balance experience with youth.
The full list includes well-known names such as Bhola Yadav (Bahadurpur), Awadh Bihari Chaudhary (Siwan), and Shatrughan Kumar alias Khesari Lal (Chapra).
A detailed breakdown shows representation from various communities and regions, especially from the Seemanchal and Kosi belts, which have a significant minority and backward caste population.
Focus on Social and Regional Balance
Sources indicate that the list was finalized under the close supervision of Tejashwi Yadav, with considerable attention given to social engineering and local feedback. The RJD appears to have prioritized:
- Backward castes, Dalits, and minorities,
- Geographical spread across all major regions,
- A balanced mix of experienced politicians and first-time candidates.
This approach suggests a strategy to consolidate traditional vote banks while appealing to broader demographics.
Women’s Representation Strengthened
In line with the party’s stance on women’s empowerment, 24 women candidates have been fielded, including:
- Sweety Seema Hembram (Katoria),
- Ritu Priya Chaudhary (Imamganj),
- Mala Pushpam (Hasanpur),
- Sandhya Rani Kushwaha (Madhuban),
- Rekha Gupta (Bankipur).
This shows RJD’s effort to send a message about gender inclusion in politics.
Alliance Dynamics at Play
The decision not to field a candidate from Kutumba demonstrates the RJD’s willingness to adjust for the Congress, reflecting a broader effort to maintain unity within the Mahagathbandhan. Political analysts see this list as a reflection of coalition coordination, youth inclusion, and calculated political outreach.
The Real Test Ahead
While the RJD has made a strong start with this comprehensive list, the real challenge lies in the electoral battlefield. Voter sentiment, alliance cohesion, and opposition attacks will test the viability of this strategy.
Still, by covering a significant portion of the state’s constituencies with a socially inclusive and politically strategic list, the RJD has clearly sounded the bugle for a high-stakes electoral battle.