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Bihar Assembly Elections: NDA and Mahagathbandhan Gear Up for First Phase

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the November 6 polls approach, both the ruling NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan are intensifying their campaign efforts in the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections. The stage is set for a direct contest between the two alliances in most of the 121 seats going to polls. The NDA is pinning its hopes on the LJP (RV) and RLM to improve its performance in the Shahabad region, particularly in the constituencies of Paru and Ujiarpur. Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan has failed to finalize its seat-sharing arrangement, leaving room for potential friendly contests among its constituents.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NDA has fielded 99 candidates in the first phase, with JDU contesting in 57 seats, BJP in 48, LJP (RV) in 14, and RLM in 2.
  • The Mahagathbandhan has fielded 127 candidates to contest 121 seats in the first phase, with RJD contesting in 71 seats and Congress in 25.
  • The NDA is relying on LJP (RV) and RLM to improve its performance in key constituencies, particularly in the Shahabad region.
  • RLM will contest in Paru (Muzaffarpur) and Ujiarpur (Samastipur) constituencies, which are crucial for the NDA and Mahagathbandhan.
  • The Mahagathbandhan has not finalized its seat-sharing arrangement, which may lead to friendly contests among its constituents.
  • Tej Pratap Yadav, son of former CM Lalu Prasad, will contest from Mahua as a nominee of his new party, Janshakti Janta Dal.
  • NDA's Sanjay Singh will contest from Mahua, while under Mahagathbandhan, Ajay Kushwaha (RJD) and Sanjeev Singh (Congress) will contest from Vaishali.
  • Aditya Kumar (Congress) and Shivani Shukla (RJD) will contest from Lalganj.
  • The CPI has fielded candidates in Bihar Sharif, Rosara, and Rajapakar seats, which may witness friendly contests with Congress.

Statistics:

  • Total seats in the first phase: 121
  • Total candidates filed by NDA: 99
  • Total candidates filed by Mahagathbandhan: 127
  • Total constituencies in Shahabad region: 32
  • Total constituencies where LJP (RV) is contesting: 14
  • Total constituencies where RLM is contesting: 2
  • Number of Kushwaha voters in Ujiarpur constituency: High

Sources:

  • The Times of India
  • Bihar Election Commission
  • Indian National Congress
  • Rashtriya Janata Dal
  • Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)
  • Rashtriya Loktantrik Party

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