Patna: Janata Dal (United) on Friday announced the names of its four candidates for the forthcoming biennial elections and by-election to the Bihar Legislative Council, finalising its slate under the National Democratic Alliance’s seat-sharing arrangement.
Under the NDA formula, JD(U) was allotted three seats for the biennial elections, while an additional seat became vacant following the resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar from the Legislative Council. The party has now declared candidates for all four positions.
Among the most notable selections is Health Minister Nishant, whose candidature had been widely anticipated in political circles following his induction into the state cabinet.
Health Minister Nishant Gets Council Ticket
Nishant, the son of Chief Minister and senior JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar, has been nominated by the party for the Legislative Council election.
His name had been under discussion for several weeks, and his selection gained momentum after he was entrusted with the Health portfolio in the Bihar government.
By nominating him, the party has signalled its confidence in the first-time minister and positioned him for a formal role in the state legislature.
Bharti Mehta And Shivrani Prajapati Among Candidates
The party has also fielded Dr Bharti Mehta, state president of the JD(U) women’s wing.
A resident of Babubarhi in Madhubani district, Mehta has been associated with the organisation for several years and has held various responsibilities within the party structure.
Another candidate, Shivrani Devi Prajapati from West Champaran, currently serves as a state secretary of JD(U). Party leaders said she has played an active organisational role and has been rewarded with the nomination.
Lalan Prasad Nominated For Vacant Seat
JD(U) has nominated Lalan Prasad of Sheikhpura for the seat that fell vacant following Nitish Kumar’s resignation.
Prasad had previously been named as a Legislative Council candidate but was unable to secure election due to legal complications. The party has once again chosen to field him for the Upper House.
Focus On Social Representation
Party leaders said the candidate list reflects JD(U)’s emphasis on social representation and inclusion.
Three of the four nominees belong to Extremely Backward Class (EBC) communities, while one candidate comes from the Backward Class (BC) category.
Bharti Mehta belongs to the Nonia community, Shivrani Prajapati represents the Kumhar community, and Lalan Prasad belongs to the Dhanuk community. Nishant has been nominated from the Backward Class category.
The composition of the list is being viewed as part of JD(U)’s broader strategy to consolidate support among backward and extremely backward communities ahead of upcoming political contests in Bihar.
With the announcement, the party has formally set in motion its campaign for the Legislative Council elections, while also signalling the social and political priorities it intends to project through its choice of candidates.
