Patna: As Bihar heads into the second phase of its 2025 Assembly elections on November 11, attention is turning to the growing presence of women in the political fray. According to Election Commission data, 136 women candidates are contesting in this phase, out of a total of 1,302 contestants. Of these, 1,165 are men and one identifies as third gender.
While the number remains modest, it marks a continued shift towards gender inclusion in Bihar’s electoral politics. Major parties have fielded several high-profile women leaders, with each hoping to mobilise female voters — a demographic that has emerged as a decisive force in recent elections.
Prominent Faces in the Contest
Renu Devi (BJP) – A veteran leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Renu Devi is contesting from the Bettiah seat. Known for her outspoken advocacy of women’s empowerment, she remains one of the most influential figures in the BJP’s state unit and a key face of the NDA’s campaign.
Lesy Singh (JDU) – Contesting from Dhamdaha, senior JD(U) leader and former minister Lesy Singh represents the party’s top women leadership. As a core committee member, her candidacy underscores the NDA’s emphasis on women-centric policies and governance models.
Deepa Manjhi (HAM) – Representing the Hindustani Awam Morcha(Secular) from the Imamganj (SC) constituency, Deepa Manjhi brings political legacy and community appeal as the daughter-in-law of former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. Her presence bolsters the NDA’s outreach to the Mahadalit community.
Ritu Jaiswal (Independent) – A prominent independent voice from Parihar (Sitamarhi), Ritu Jaiswal was previously associated with the RJD. Known for her grassroots activism and public service—recognised with the Champions of Change award—Jaiswal is seen as a formidable contender challenging party-backed candidates.
Shreyasi Singh (BJP) – The BJP candidate from Jamui, Shreyasi Singh is an international shooter and Commonwealth Games medallist. Daughter of late Union Minister Digvijay Singh, she entered politics in 2020 and represents the BJP’s younger, aspirational face appealing to first-time voters.
Gayatri Devi (BJP) – The sitting MLA from Parihar, Gayatri Devi is seeking re-election. Banking on her strong local base and party backing, she faces a tough fight from independent candidate Ritu Jaiswal in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in Sitamarhi district.
The Gender Equation
Political analyst Shobhit Suman believes women’s participation—both as voters and candidates—could prove decisive in this phase. “Women have traditionally backed Nitish Kumar for his welfare schemes. But this time, the Grand Alliance has also made a concerted push to attract them with fresh promises and benefits,” he said.
Despite the visible presence of influential women leaders, gender representation in Bihar politics remains limited. Political parties continue to champion 35% reservation for women rhetorically, but few have translated it into ticket distribution.
