BJP, JDU field seven Kushwahas each

The list of candidates released by the BJP and its ally JDU so far clearly shows that Kushwaha voters are in focus in the NDA camp. BJP and JDU have fielded seven Kushwaha candidates each from their respective quota.

In the 2024 LS polls, a section of Kushwaha voters shifted to Mahagathbandhan causing serious damage to the NDA camp in a good part of south Bihar. NDA lost Karakat, Buxar and Ara due to the apparent crack in its support base among the Kushwaha voters. In the 2025 assembly elections, the NDA camp wants to avoid chances of any crack in its Kushwaha support base.

The selection of a good number of Kushwaha candidates in the NDA camp clearly reflects NDA's fresh attempt to keep Kushwaha voters intact in its favour in this assembly election. BJP's Kushwaha face and deputy CM Samrat Choudhari has been given a ticket to contest the assembly polls from Tarapur.

JDU has fielded Ajay Kushwaha from Meenapur, Bhisham Kushwaha from Ziradei, Umesh Singh Kushwaha from Mahnar, Ravina Kushwaha from Vibhutipur and Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha from Jagdishpur.

Apart from Kushwahas, JDU has selected a good number of candidates from the Dhanuk caste which has a considerable presence in areas like Munger, Bhagalpur, Madhubani, Supaul and Darbhanga.

Besides the women and most backward caste voters, JDU has always given special political focus to keep Lav-Kush (Kurmi and Kushwaha voters referred to as a political combination in Bihar) intact in its favour. JDU's first list shows that this combination has been given its share.

Meanwhile, RJD, which is eyeing the Kushwaha voters, is also expected to give tickets to several Kushwaha candidates.