Nishant Kumar, the son of former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has been named a JD(U) candidate for the election to 10 seats of the Bihar Legislative Council scheduled for 18 June. The BJP, meanwhile, has nominated Bhojpuri cinema’s ‘Power Star’ Pawan Singh.
The BJP and JD(U) have each announced four candidates for the polls.
Apart from Nishant Kumar, the JD(U) has fielded Bharti Mehta, Shiv Rani Devi Prajapati and Lalan Prasad.
The BJP’s list comprises National Spokesperson Dr. Sanjay Mayukh, Bihar BJP Vice-President Anil Thakur, Member of the Child Welfare Commission Sheela Pandit, and Pawan Singh. However, the name of Deepak Prakash, son of Upendra Kushwaha, does not figure in the candidate lists of either the JD(U) or the BJP, triggering discussions and speculation in political circles.
The BJP’s list includes two upper-caste candidates and two from the Extremely Backward Class (EBC), while the JD(U) has nominated candidates from the EBC category as well as one from the Other Backward Class (OBC). The selections are being viewed as part of a broader strategy to maintain social balance.
The JD(U) has fielded a woman candidate and a representative from the Kumhar (potter) community. Similarly, the BJP’s list also includes a woman candidate and a representative from the same community, reflecting what observers see as a similar social outreach strategy by both parties.
The BJP-JD(U) candidate selection is being viewed as significant from the perspective of caste balance. Political observers say the alliance has sought to accommodate major social groups and maintain social equilibrium through its nominations.
Pawan Singh belongs to the Rajput community. By nominating him, the BJP is seen as sending a strong political message, with expectations that his candidature could strengthen the party’s position in the Purvanchal region and the Bhojpuri-speaking belt.
Dr. Sanjay Mayukh, who has served as an MLC for two consecutive terms, belongs to the Kayastha community. Anil Thakur represents the Nai (Thakur) community, while Sheela Pandit belongs to the Prajapati community.