Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha on Wednesday announced that the party will release its first list of candidates by afternoon, while Chief Minister Nitish Kumar prepares to launch his election campaign Thursday ahead of Bihar’s assembly polls.
Speaking to mediapersons in Patna, Jha stated: “The first list of JD(U) will be released by the afternoon today. The election campaign of CM Nitish Kumar will begin from tomorrow. CM Nitish Kumar has taken the decision to release the first list after reviewing the situation properly. Our second list will also be released in a couple of days. The opposition has still not been able to make a decision on the seat sharing. NDA is unified, and the purpose is to form the government under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. We are all aware of the recent developments in the court in Delhi. When CM Nitish Kumar begins his campaign tomorrow, a different environment will be seen.”
Internal Unity Emphasized
Addressing speculation about internal party dynamics, Jha insisted all decisions receive Nitish Kumar’s approval. “There are no issues within the JD(U). Whatever decision is taken in the JD(U) is only after the consent of Nitish Kumar. He is a democratic person. He is not an autocratic person,” he said.
Projecting confidence about electoral outcomes, Jha added: “We are fighting the election on the face of Nitish Kumar. On November 14, Nitish Kumar will become the Chief Minister of Bihar… 50% women of Bihar are going to vote for Nitish Kumar. The result of the election will be unprecedented.”
Opposition Seat-Sharing Stalemate
While the National Democratic Alliance has finalized its seat distribution among constituents—with BJP and JD(U) receiving 101 seats each—the opposition Mahagathbandhan continues negotiations. Meetings among alliance partners are ongoing to establish a mutually acceptable formula.
A day earlier, Jha accused opposition parties of spreading misinformation. “The opposition knows that they are losing the election. They are planting stories, spreading rumours about what is going on in the NDA. Nitish Kumar is absolutely happy. He is ready for the elections. He will campaign for the NDA. He is keeping an eye on everything. He is talking to the senior leaders of the NDA. All five parties of the NDA are united, and by this evening, we will also announce the list of candidates and their constituencies. NDA is fighting the elections under the guidance of Nitish Kumar.”
Opposition Response
RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari countered that internal divisions are visible within the NDA, characterizing the alliance as “Naiya Doobegi Abki Baar” (the boat will sink this time).
Polling for Bihar’s 243-seat assembly occurs in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with vote counting scheduled for November 14.
