After weeks of deadlock over seat-sharing in the Mahagathbandhan, Congress announces its first list, retaining key leaders like Rajesh Ram and Shakeel Ahmad Khan
PATNA — The Congress party on Thursday released its first list of 48 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, ending the prolonged stalemate within the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) over seat-sharing.
The list includes four Muslim candidates, reflecting the party’s attempt to consolidate minority votes in key constituencies. The Muslim candidates are Umar Khan (Bihar Sharif), Wasi Ahmad (Bettiah), Prof Maswar Alam alias Musabbir Alam (Bahadurganj), and Shakeel Ahmad Khan Kadwa (Katihar).
According to the list, Rajesh Ram, the Congress’s state president, has been re-nominated from his current constituency Kutumba (Aurangabad).
A Congress insider said: “The leadership wanted to balance social representation while rewarding loyalty. The inclusion of four Muslim candidates is a conscious step to give fair representation to all communities.”
The list was announced just a day before the final date for filing nominations for the first phase of polling.
Reports indicate that the list includes 24 candidates each for the first and second phases. Senior Congress leader Ajit Sharma has again been given a ticket from Bhagalpur. Similarly, Anand Shankar Singh, the sitting MLA from Aurangabad, has also been re-nominated. From other constituencies, Vijendra Chaudhary will contest from Muzaffarpur, Wasi Ahmad from Bettiah, Gappu Rai from Govindganj, and Amita Bhushan from Begusarai.
Meanwhile, Umar Khan will contest from Bihar Sharif, a constituency known for its diverse voter base and symbolic importance in North Bihar politics.
A local party worker from Bihar Sharif told reporters, “Umar Khan’s candidature has energised the minority voters. He has strong local support and represents the youth’s aspiration for change.”
While Congress has announced 48 names, it remains unclear how many total seats the party will contest in the election. Party sources said that “a few more names are expected soon.”
A senior leader involved in the seat-sharing talks said,
“The final round of negotiations within the Mahagathbandhan is almost over. This list reflects our readiness for the first two phases. Some strategic adjustments may still happen.”
The Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases — 6 November and 11 November, while counting of votes will take place on 14 November.
Political analysts view the Congress’s move as an attempt to reassert its influence within the Grand Alliance, particularly after recent tensions over seat distribution with allies like RJD and Left parties.
The decision to field four Muslim candidates is being seen as a signal to the state’s large Muslim population, which plays a decisive role in many constituencies.
Shakeel Ahmad Khan, one of the prominent Muslim faces of the Congress in Bihar, said, “The Congress has always stood for inclusion and equal representation. Our aim is to raise the voice of every community and ensure justice and dignity for all.”
Political observers believe that the Congress hopes to consolidate minority votes and rebuild its traditional support base ahead of a tough contest with the BJP-led NDA.
As one Patna-based political analyst remarked, “By giving space to Muslim candidates in winnable seats, Congress has sent a strong message — it wants to revive its secular image and reconnect with its grassroots.”
