As Bihar gears up for assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a key partner in the ruling NDA alliance, is considering a major shake-up in its candidate list. Sources indicate that the party may replace nearly 30 percent of its current and former candidates ahead of the polls.
Ticket reshuffle on the cards
The BJP is evaluating the performance and popularity of its sitting MLAs, with plans to drop around 15–20 legislators this time. Additionally, 13 candidates who lost in the 2020 elections are unlikely to be renominated. In total, new candidates could be fielded in about 30–35 percent of the constituencies.
Party insiders say this move is aimed at countering anti-incumbency and presenting younger, more dynamic faces. Factors such as local-level surveys, ground feedback, candidate age, and narrow victory or loss margins are influencing the decision.
Close contests under review
According to internal assessments, six current BJP MLAs are over 70 years of age. In the 2020 elections, the margin of victory or defeat was less than 3,000 votes in six constituencies, while eight others saw margins below 2,000 votes. Thirteen BJP candidates also lost by margins of over 11,000 votes. Such constituencies are expected to see new candidates this time.
Detailed scrutiny process
In line with BJP’s established procedure, 4–5 names are being shortlisted for each assembly seat. After deliberation, the state election committee will narrow the list to 2–3 names per seat, which will then be forwarded to the central election committee in Delhi for the final decision.
Surveys, feedback from district presidents, and past performance will be key parameters in finalizing candidates.
Amit Shah’s upcoming visit
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will begin his Bihar tour on September 18 and is scheduled to preside over zonal meetings on September 18 and 27 in Patna. The state has been divided into five zones, and candidate selection along with constituency-level strategies will be discussed in these meetings.
The BJP leadership maintains that while age, performance, and grassroots activism are important criteria, the central focus remains on choosing candidates with the strongest winning prospects.
