Bihar Election: JDU Releases Second List, Key Leaders Miss Out

JDU has released its second and final list of 44 candidates, completing nominations for all 101 seats it contests in the Bihar elections. The list includes 37 candidates from the extremely backward classes, 22 from other backward classes, 22 from upper castes, 13 women, and four Muslim candidates, reflecting the party’s careful caste and community calculations.Some notable leaders have missed out this time, including MLA Gopal Mandal, who had previously protested for a ticket but was denied from Gopalpur. Sitting ministers like Jayant, Vijendra Yadav, Lessi Singh, and Sheela have been given tickets again from their constituencies. Sumit Singh will contest from Chakai, while Santosh Kushwaha, a former two-time MP from Purnia, will also be in the fray. Navada sees a JDU candidate replacing a prior incumbent, and other constituencies like Damdaha, Rajes, and Bhagalpur have repeat or strategically chosen candidates.With this list, JDU completes its caste and gender representation across all 101 seats, aiming to consolidate its voter base, including women (about 48% of Bihar’s electorate) and minority communities.