The Indian National Congress has released its second list of candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, announcing nominees for five key constituencies: Narkatiaganj, Kishanganj, Kasba, Purnia, and Gaya Town. The announcement, made on October 18, comes amid ongoing seat-sharing tensions within the Mahagathbandhan alliance, which includes the RJD, Congress, Left parties, and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP).
The five candidates named in the second list are:
- Shaswat Kedar Pandey – Narkatiaganj
- Qamrul Hoda – Kishanganj
- Irfan Alam – Kasba
- Jitender Yadav – Purnia
- Mohan Shrivasta – Gaya Town
This brings the Congress tally to 53 declared candidates so far, following the first list of 48 nominees released on October 17. The party is expected to announce a third list after resolving pending seat-sharing disputes with its allies.
🧠 Key Highlights of Congress’s Second Candidate List
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | October 18, 2025 |
| Total Candidates Declared | 53 (48 in first list + 5 in second list) |
| New Constituencies Added | Narkatiaganj, Kishanganj, Kasba, Purnia, Gaya Town |
| Alliance Status | Mahagathbandhan under strain |
| Polling Dates | November 6 and 11, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | November 14, 2025 |
The announcement comes amid reports of “friendly fights” among Mahagathbandhan allies, with some parties fielding candidates against each other due to unresolved seat-sharing.
📊 Timeline of Congress’s Bihar Election Strategy
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| October 17 | First list of 48 candidates released |
| October 18 | Second list of 5 candidates announced |
| October 20 | Expected third list pending alliance talks |
| November 6 & 11 | Polling dates across two phases |
| November 14 | Results to be declared |
The Congress has emphasized its commitment to social justice, youth empowerment, and economic development in its campaign messaging.
🗣️ Reactions from Political Leaders, Analysts, and Citizens
- Congress Spokesperson: “We are contesting with clarity and confidence. Our candidates reflect grassroots strength.”
- RJD Leader (anonymous): “Seat-sharing delays are unfortunate but not irreversible.”
- Political Analyst: “Congress is asserting itself more than in 2020, but alliance cohesion remains fragile.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Congress Cadre | Energized by early candidate announcements |
| Mahagathbandhan Allies | Concerned about overlapping nominations |
| BJP Leaders | Calling alliance “fractured and confused” |
| Voters | Watching for clarity on local representation |
The Congress is expected to field candidates in 60–70 constituencies, depending on final seat-sharing outcomes.
🧾 Comparative Snapshot: Congress Candidate Distribution in Bihar (2020 vs 2025)
| Election Year | Total Seats Contested | Alliance Partner | Performance | Strategy Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 70 | RJD-led | Won 19 | Defensive |
| 2025 (projected) | 60–70 | Mahagathbandhan | TBD | Assertive |
The party has prioritized youth leaders, minority representation, and women candidates in its selection process.
🧭 What to Watch in Congress’s Bihar Campaign
- Third List Release: Expected to clarify remaining constituencies and alliance dynamics
- Manifesto Launch: Focus on employment, education, and women’s safety
- Alliance Coordination: Final seat-sharing with RJD and Left parties
- Candidate Outreach: Door-to-door campaigns and digital voter engagement
With polling just weeks away, the Congress is racing to consolidate its position and minimize internal friction within the Mahagathbandhan.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified party announcements, media reports, and election commission updates as of October 19, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute political endorsement, electoral advice, or campaign strategy and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
