Congress Releases Second List of Candidates for Bihar Assembly Elections, Names Five More Contestants

Published on: 19 Oct 2025 at 06:18 AM

Published by: Gill Bikram

Congress Releases Second List of Candidates for Bihar Assembly Elections, Names Five More Contestants

As the countdown to the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 continues, the Indian National Congress has released its second list of candidates, naming five new contenders. This comes after the party’s first list, which featured 48 candidates.

Five Candidates Announced in Second List

According to the official release, the Congress has fielded the following candidates:

Saswat Kedar Pandey from Narakatiaganj
Kamarul Huda from Kishanganj
Irfan Alam from Kasba
Jatinder Yadav from Purnea
Mohan Srivastava from Gaya Town

With these additions, the Congress continues its phased rollout of candidates even as seat-sharing talks within the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) remain unresolved.

Seat-Sharing Deadlock Within the Mahagathbandhan

While all NDA allies have finalized and announced their candidates across all constituencies, the opposition alliance — comprising RJD, Congress, and smaller regional parties — is still struggling to settle the seat-sharing formula.

The disagreements have become increasingly visible, with several alliance partners expressing dissatisfaction. The Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) led by Mukesh Sahani has repeatedly voiced its frustration, hinting at rebellion if not adequately accommodated.

Multiple meetings have already taken place between Patna and Delhi, but consensus remains elusive. Reports indicate that the Congress is particularly upset about the RJD fielding candidates from constituencies considered Congress strongholds, including that of the state party president.

NDA Unity, Opposition Division

On the other hand, internal differences within the NDA were resolved after the intervention of central leaders. Chirag Paswan (LJP), Jitan Ram Manjhi (HAM), and Upendra Kushwaha (RLSP) eventually agreed to the final seat distribution.

In contrast, the Mahagathbandhan appears divided. Both Congress and RJD have announced candidates for seven overlapping constituencies, leading to confusion and tension within the alliance. None of the candidates from either side have withdrawn their nominations so far.

Bihar Poll Schedule

The Election Commission has finalized the voting dates:

First Phase: November 6, 2025
Second Phase: November 11, 2025

As election fever grips the state, the Congress is hoping that its late but strategic candidate announcements will strengthen its position amid the ongoing alliance rift.