The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar has distributed the largest share of election tickets to Rajputs and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), relying on this upper-lower caste combination for electoral success. Out of 243 candidates, over 30 each belong to Rajputs or EBC groups like Noniyas, Nishads, and Dhanuks. The list also includes around 25 Bhumihars, 20 Vaishyas, 20 from the OBC Koeri group, and 15 Yadavs. Only 5 Muslims have been fielded across all seats. The BJP and Janata Dal (United) are contesting 101 seats each, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) contests 29 seats. The coalition has repeated 129 names from the 2020 Assembly elections, including 37 who previously lost. Despite promoting women-centric schemes, women represent less than 15% of candidates. Around 45% of candidates list agriculture as their income source, and over 65% have rural or semi-rural roots.
Candidate Profiles and Educational Background
The NDA fielded 114 new faces alongside experienced politicians, with at least 80 candidates having served as ministers previously. Educational qualifications vary widely: around 60 candidates (24.7%) hold graduation degrees, over 50 have intermediate education, and more than 30 are postgraduates. The list includes 15 PhD holders, 12 with law degrees, 5 with MBA qualifications, 2 D Litts, and 2 MBBS holders. Seventeen candidates have cleared Class 10, while around 11 identified themselves as literate. Over half possess previous legislative experience in either the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Bihar Legislative Council, or Assembly. The coalition distributed tickets across reserved categories, with candidates contesting 38 SC-reserved seats and 2 ST-reserved constituencies in the state.
Dynasts, Turncoats, and Criminal Cases
The NDA list includes at least 24 dynasts (about 10%), continuing political legacies despite criticizing the opposition for dynasty politics. Notable candidates include Chirag Paswan's nephew Simant Mrinal, Jitan Ram Manjhi's daughter-in-law Deepa Kumari, and several children of former legislators. Around 39 tickets went to turncoats who switched parties, including Matihani MLA Raj Kumar Singh and Parsa MLA Chhotey Lal Rai. According to the Association for Democratic Reforms analysis of 121 first-phase seats, 39% of JD(U) candidates (22 of 57), 65% of BJP candidates (31 of 48), and 45% of LJP (RV) candidates (13 of 29) face criminal cases. Women received only 36 tickets (less than 15%), despite the government's focus on women-centric welfare schemes.
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