Former Chief Minister of Bihar, Rabri Devi, spearheaded the Mahagathbandhan’s electoral strategy by filing her nomination papers on the final day for the state legislative council elections. This move signaled a robust assertion of political strength by the coalition ahead of the upcoming polls.
Accompanied by her husband and RJD president Lalu Prasad, as well as her sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, Rabri Devi arrived at the Vidhan Sabha secretariat to formalize her candidacy. Alongside her, three other candidates from the RJD and one from the alliance partner CPI(ML) Liberation also submitted their nominations.
The filing of nomination papers wasn’t confined to the Mahagathbandhan alone. The BJP, countering the opposition, fielded three candidates, including Mangal Pandey, former minister and state unit chief. This set the stage for a competitive electoral contest.
Tejashwi Yadav, a key figure in the Mahagathbandhan and former Deputy CM, expressed satisfaction over the coalition’s decision to field three women candidates. While Rabri Devi seeks re-election for a third consecutive term, seasoned leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui, among others, entered the fray with past legislative experience.
However, amidst the electoral buzz, questions arose regarding the stance of former Lok Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan, who hinted at a potential defection from the NDA. This speculation added an intriguing dimension to the political landscape.
Responding to queries, Mehboob Alam, legislative party leader of CPI(ML) Liberation, extended a welcoming gesture to Chirag Paswan, citing his late father Ram Vilas Paswan’s alliance with their party.
Meanwhile, Congress, despite internal deliberations, chose not to field a candidate for the legislative council elections, opting instead to support their alliance partner, CPI(ML) Liberation. Shakil Ahmed Khan reiterated the party’s democratic ethos, emphasizing cooperation within the coalition.
The nomination process witnessed participation from various political stalwarts, including Mangal Pandey of the BJP and Santosh Suman, son of former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi, representing the NDA. Their presence underscored the intensity of the electoral contest brewing in Bihar.
With the deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers set for March 14, the stage is set for a decisive electoral showdown. Should voting be required, it is scheduled to take place on March 21, marking a crucial moment in Bihar’s political trajectory.
As the candidates gear up for the electoral battle ahead, Bihar braces itself for a contest of ideologies, alliances, and aspirations, with the legislative council polls poised to shape the state’s political landscape for the foreseeable future.
