BJP announces first list of 71 candidates for Bihar polls

Deputy CMs and former Deputy CMs among key picks; the party has also renominated international shooter and sitting MLA Singh from the Jamui seat

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After finalising the seat-sharing arrangement within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday released its first list of 71 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly election 2025.

The list includes several prominent leaders, such as the state's two Deputy Chief Ministers and two former Deputy Chief Ministers.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary will contest from Tarapur in Munger district, while Vijay Kumar Sinha will contest from Lakhisarai.

Among the former Deputy Chief Ministers, Tarkishore Prasad has been fielded from Katihar, and Renu Devi from Bettiah in West Champaran district.

The party has also renominated international shooter and sitting MLA Shreyasi Singh from the Jamui seat.

In a notable inclusion, the BJP has given tickets to two former Members of Parliament - Ram Kripal Yadav, who will contest from Danapur in Patna district, and Sunil Kumar Pintu, who has been fielded from Sitamarhi.

Pintu had earlier represented Sitamarhi in the Lok Sabha, but under the NDA seat-sharing formula in 2024, the parliamentary seat went to the JDU, and Devesh Chandra Thakur contested in 2024.