Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 Phase 2: Key Candidates & Seat

Bihar is all set for the second and final phase of its 2025 Assembly elections, scheduled for Tuesday, November 11. After a record-breaking 64.66% voter turnout in Phase 1, the political spotlight now shifts to 122 constituencies across 20 districts, where 3.70 crore voters — 1.95 crore men and 1.74 crore women — will cast their ballots.

This phase is being closely watched for its high-stakes contests, as it could determine the balance of power between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by BJP and JD(U), and the opposition INDIA bloc, comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and smaller allies.

Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 Phase 2: Key Candidates & Seats

Phase 2 Overview: Numbers, Candidates, and Voting Logistics

Total constituencies: 122
Polling centres: 45,399 (including 40,073 in rural areas)
Candidates: 1,302, of which 136 (10%) are women
Voter age group: Over 2.28 crore voters aged 30–60 years
Largest electorate: Hisua in Nawada — 3.67 lakh voters
Most contested constituencies: Lauria, Chanpatia, Raxaul, Triveniganj, Sugauli, and Banmakhi, each with 22 candidates

Compared to the 2020 election, the NDA’s BJP had secured 42 of these 122 seats, followed by RJD (33), JD(U) (20), Congress (11), and the Left (5). In 2015, when JD(U) and RJD were allies, this alliance had won 80 seats, while the BJP’s tally was 36.

Security is tight across the state, with over four lakh personnel deployed, including bomb disposal squads and paramilitary forces, to ensure smooth polling. Senior officials have been tasked with personally overseeing arrangements in sensitive districts.

Key Candidates to Watch

Sheela Mandal – Phulparas (JD(U))

Sheela Mandal, Minister for Transport and Communication, is contesting from Phulparas in Madhubani. Known for her strong grassroots presence, she attracted controversy in 2020 for comparing Veer Kunwar Singh and Ramphal Mandal, highlighting caste-based disparities in recognition. While the remarks drew backlash from upper-caste groups, they sparked important discussions on representation and caste balance in Bihar’s history.

Ritesh Pandey – Kargahar (Jan Suraaj Party)

Renowned Bhojpuri actor and singer Ritesh Pandey is contesting from Kargahar, Rohtas, representing the Jan Suraaj Party (JSP). Known for hits like “Hello Kaun” and films like Balma Bihar Wala, Pandey’s candidacy surprised many, as this was considered Prashant Kishor’s home turf. His entry has ignited speculation about where Prashant Kishor himself will contest, adding intrigue to the political landscape.

Jayant Raj Kushwaha – Amarpur (JD(U))

Son of former MLA Janardan Manjhi, Jayant Raj represents Amarpur in Banka district. Educated in BBA from Marwari College, Bhagalpur, he is Minister of Rural Work and a younger face in Nitish Kumar’s cabinet. In 2020, he won by a narrow margin of 33.13% of votes, defeating Congress’s Jitendra Singh, who secured 31.23%.

Renu Devi – Bettiah (BJP)

Renu Devi, currently Minister for Animal and Fisheries Resources, has had a long political journey, beginning with social activism in 1981 and leadership in BJP Mahila Morcha. She served as Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar (Nov 2020 – Aug 2022), becoming the fifth woman Deputy CM in India. PM Narendra Modi campaigned in her constituency this phase, underlining her political significance.

Mohammad Zama Khan – Chainpur (JD(U))

Sitting MLA Mohammad Zama Khan represents Chainpur in Kaimur district. He won in 2020 on a BSP ticket before joining JD(U) and becoming Minister of Minority Affairs. His tenure has been contentious, facing protests from sections of the Muslim community over the new Waqf Bill.

Tarkishore Prasad – Katihar (BJP)

Former Deputy Chief Minister Tarkishore Prasad contests from Katihar, a key seat in Seemanchal. In 2020, he polled 82,669 votes, defeating RJD’s Ram Prakash Mahto (72,150). This election, he faces VIP’s Saurabh Kumar Agarwal and JSP’s Ghazi Sharique Ahmad, making it a crucial test of his enduring influence.

Nitish Mishra – Jhanjharpur (BJP)

Son of former CM Jagannath Mishra, Nitish Mishra began with JD(U) and contested Jhanjharpur from 2005 onwards. After a brief loss in 2015 under BJP, he returned in 2020. This time, he is up against BSP’s Birendra Kumar Singh, CPI’s Ram Narayan Yadav, and Kan Surah Party’s Keshav Bhandari.

Leshi Singh – Dhamdaha (JD(U))

A five-term MLA, Leshi Singh is defending Dhamdaha against Santosh Kushwaha, who switched from JD(U) to RJD. Singh emphasizes loyalty and continuity, while Kushwaha campaigns on change and local grievances. JSP’s Rakesh Yadav is also in the race as a fresh alternative.

Bijendra Prasad Yadav – Supaul (JD(U))

A veteran, eight-time MLA, and Minister for Energy, Planning and Development, Yadav is contesting Supaul, also known as “Kosi ke Vishwakarma” for his infrastructural initiatives like roads and bridges. Congress and JSP have fielded Minnatullah Rahmani and Anil Kumar Singh, respectively.

Uday Narain Choudhary – Sikandra (RJD)

Former Bihar Assembly Speaker, Uday Narain Choudhary is contesting Sikandra (SC) after stepping down from Imamganj. His opponent is Prafulla Kumar Manjhi of Hindustani Awam Morcha.

Key Constituencies in Phase 2

Sitamarhi: BJP’s Sunil Kumar Pintu replaces sitting MLA Mithilesh Kumar. BJP promises a grand Sita temple to woo voters against RJD’s Sunil Kumar Kushwaha.
Bettiah: Renu Devi faces Congress’s Washi Ahmad.
Gaya Town: BJP’s Prem Kumar seeks eighth consecutive victory; challenged by Congress’s Akhauri Onkar Nath and JSP’s Dhirendra Agrawal.
Kishanganj: Congress’s Qamrul Hoda vs BJP’s Sweety Singh, with JSP and AIMIM also in the fray.
Araria: Congress’s Abidur Rahman contests against JD(U), JSP, and AIMIM candidates.
Purnia: BJP’s Vijay Khemka aims for a third term, with Congress and JSP challengers.
Imamganj: HAM’s Deepa Kumari faces RJD and JSP candidates.
Belaganj (Gaya): JD(U)’s Manorama Devi versus RJD’s Vishwanath Kumar Singh and JSP’s Md. Shahabuddin.
Jehanabad: RJD bastion sees a three-way battle between RJD, JD(U), and RLJP.

Criminal Records, Wealth, and Gender Imbalance

An ADR and Bihar Election Watch analysis highlights stark realities:

Criminal cases: ~32% of candidates face criminal charges; 26% have serious charges including murder and crimes against women.
Red alert constituencies: 73 out of 121 constituencies have three or more candidates with criminal records.
Crorepati candidates: 562 (43%), with Ran Kaushal Pratap Singh (Lauriya) leading at ₹368.98 crore.
Women representation: Only 133 out of 1,302 candidates (10%).
Education levels: 48% are graduates or hold higher degrees, 41% have Class 5–12 education.

Seemanchal and Border Districts: The Battleground

Phase 2 covers West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj, many bordering Nepal.

Seemanchal belt: Religious and caste dynamics are decisive, with significant Muslim populations influencing the outcome.
Champaran region: BJP’s upper-caste and OBC vote share will be tested.
Key issues: Poverty, floods, migration, and minority rights shape campaigns, particularly in Araria and Kishanganj.

Political Turncoats and New Entrants

Phase 2 features several party switchers and fresh faces:

Sangita Kumari: Ex-RJD MLA contesting for BJP (Mohania)
Vibha Devi: Switched from RJD to JD(U) (Nawada)
Murari Gautam: Former Congress minister, now LJP (Ram Vilas) candidate (Chenari)
Chanakya Prakash Ranjan: Son of JD(U) MP, defected to RJD (Belhar)

Smaller parties like HAM and RLM are also under scrutiny, fielding family members and first-time candidates to retain relevance in Bihar politics.

Final Thoughts

As Bihar heads into Phase 2 of its 2025 Assembly elections, the stakes are higher than ever. 3.7 crore voters will decide the fate of 1,302 candidates, including senior ministers, first-time contestants, and high-profile celebrities.

From the Seemanchal belt to Champaran, from veteran leaders like Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Tarkishore Prasad to newcomers like Ritesh Pandey, the electoral outcome will hinge on a delicate balance of caste, religion, performance, and local issues.

With tight security, record turnout potential, and a mix of seasoned politicians and new entrants, November 11 promises to be a defining day for Bihar’s political future. The results on November 14 will reveal whether the NDA retains its hold or the INDIA bloc scripts a comeback, shaping the state’s trajectory for the next five years.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies