RJD Releases First List of 143 Candidates for Bihar Assembly Polls; Tejashwi to Contest from Raghopur

Patna, Oct 2025 : On the final day of nominations for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) announced its first list of 143 candidates spanning 38 districts across the state. The list underscores the party’s traditional focus on backward classes and minority representation, reflecting its long-standing commitment to social justice politics.

As expected, Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition, will once again contest from his Raghopur constituency in Vaishali district. Among the other prominent names on the list are Renu Kushwaha (Bihariganj), Abdus Subhan (Baisi), Amar Paswan (Bochahan), Anita Devi Mahato (Warsaliganj), Shailendra Pratap Singh (Taraiya), Gautam Krishna (Mahsi), Jaiprakash Yadav (Jhajha), Vinod Mehta (Alinagar), and Ravi Ranjan Kumar (Asthawan).

In a move that has drawn considerable attention, Bhojpuri singer and actor Khesari Lal Yadav has been fielded from the Chhapra constituency, marking his formal debut in electoral politics. His candidacy is seen as a strategic attempt by the RJD to attract youth and entertainment industry followers in Bihar’s politically active Bhojpuri belt.

Party sources said the selection process aimed to balance experience with youth appeal, and to include grassroots leaders and regional influencers capable of strengthening the RJD’s organizational presence beyond its traditional Yadav-Muslim vote base.

However, uncertainty persists over the seat-sharing arrangement with the Congress and other Grand Alliance partners, sparking speculation about the final electoral arithmetic. Some dissatisfaction has also surfaced among party aspirants who were denied tickets.

Responding to the internal discontent, RJD spokesperson Chittaranjan Gagan said, “When a party has a wide support base and many capable leaders, competition for tickets is natural. But ultimately, only one candidate can be chosen per seat.”

He added, “In coalition politics, the number of seats is limited. Any emotional statements made by those not selected should not be taken seriously. Every RJD worker remains committed to ensuring the victory of our official candidates. Our collective goal is to make Tejashwi Yadav the Chief Minister.”

Despite occasional grumbling, party insiders maintain that the RJD’s rank and file will ultimately rally behind the leadership. The first phase of voting in Bihar will take place on November 6, followed by the second phase on November 11, and the results will be declared on November 14.