New Delhi: With the announcement of its candidate list for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has effectively wrapped up its ticket distribution process, triggering widespread political chatter throughout the state. The party’s choice to drop a number of seasoned leaders has sparked discussions both within its internal circles and in the broader political arena, pointing to a clear intention to pursue a generational shift in its electoral approach.
Significantly, the party removed ten names in its first list and an additional seven sitting legislators in the second round, bringing the total number of MLAs denied tickets to 17.
The released roster has created a significant stir in Bihar’s political environment, largely due to the exclusion of several senior leaders who have long commanded influence in the state legislature. Notable among those omitted are former Agriculture Minister and senior BJP leader Amarendra Pratap Singh, outgoing Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav, and Arun Kumar Sinha, a five-time MLA representing Kumhrar. Their exclusion marks a notable recalibration in the party’s strategy for the upcoming elections.
These leaders represented the constituencies of Ara, Patna Sahib, and Kumhrar, respectively. In their place, the BJP has fielded new candidates: Sanjay Singh “Tiger” from Ara, Ratnesh Kushwaha from Patna Sahib, and Sanjay Gupta from Kumhrar. Furthermore, in Narpatganj, former MLA Jai Prakash Yadav has been replaced by another former MLA, Devanti Yadav, reflecting the leadership’s preference for tactical realignments across constituencies.
Additionally, four-time Barh MLA Gyanendra Kumar Gyanu has been replaced by Siyaram Singh, while two-term Chhapra MLA C N Gupta has made way for Chhoti Kumari. Gopalganj MLA Kusum Devi has been succeeded by Subhash Singh.
Beyond these prominent omissions, the BJP’s list also features several new faces taking over from sitting MLAs across the state. Leaders dropped from the list include Motilal Kanan from Riga, Ramsurat Rai from Aurai, Rampreet Paswan from Rajnagar, Swarna Singh Gowda from Bauram, Dr. Nikki Hembram from Katoria, and Mithilesh Kumar from Sitamarhi. These adjustments reflect the party’s effort to rejuvenate its Bihar unit and expand its outreach to new voter demographics.
Party insiders indicate that this overhaul is in line with the BJP’s long-standing stance against senior leaders passing on their political legacy to family members. The leadership has sought to curb dynastic politics, emphasizing the elevation of leaders who have advanced through organizational dedication and grassroots involvement. This underlines the party’s commitment to ideological alignment and merit-based progression within its ranks.
Meanwhile, numerous aspirants including senior state leaders, former Union ministers, and central office bearers — who had been lobbying in Delhi until the final moments, were left disappointed by the announcement. Sources indicate that extensive behind-the-scenes negotiations and lobbying took place before the list was finalized, yet the central leadership remained steadfast in prioritizing loyalty, long-term contribution, and discipline over personal influence or entitlement.
Following the declaration, Nand Kishore Yadav, who has served Patna Sahib for seven consecutive terms but was denied a ticket, responded with dignity, reaffirming his commitment to the BJP. “I stand by the BJP’s decision. The BJP has given me a lot. I have no complaints with the party. The new generation is welcomed and congratulated. The people of Patna Sahib Assembly have made me victorious seven consecutive times. I will never forget the affection and love they showed me as a BJP candidate. I am grateful to everyone,” Yadav stated, demonstrating loyalty and grace despite being sidelined.
Interestingly, the BJP’s list also includes “parachute entrants” leaders brought in from rival parties or outside the organization. This includes Maithili Thakur, who has been nominated from Alinagar, and three-term RJD MLA Kedar Nath Singh, who recently joined the BJP and will contest from Baniapur. Nonetheless, the limited number of parachute entrants highlights the party’s emphasis on “tested loyalty” and long-term association over outsider prominence or celebrity appeal, emphasizing the BJP’s organizational strength and internal coherence ahead of the elections.
According to the official Election Commission schedule, the Bihar Assembly elections will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, covering 121 constituencies, is slated for November 6, while the second phase, comprising the remaining 122 constituencies, will take place on November 11. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 14, and the tenure of the current 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly will officially conclude on November 22.
