NEW DELHI: The political battle for Bihar intensified on Sunday with a flurry of developments — from the AIMIM releasing its first list of 25 candidates to Giriraj Singh stirring controversy with his remarks on Muslims. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) faced embarrassment over a last-minute candidate swap, while Chirag Paswan redefined his “MY” formula ahead of the polls. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to kick off the BJP’s campaign on October 24.
AIMIM releases first list of 25 candidates
The Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM announced its first list of 25 candidates for the Bihar Assembly elections, including two non-Muslims. The list features state party chief Akhtarul Iman, its lone MLA, who will again contest from Amour.The party posted on X: “We are happy to announce the list of AIMIM candidates for the upcoming Bihar elections… Inshallah, we will be a voice of justice for Bihar’s weakest and most neglected.” Most of AIMIM’s seats are concentrated in the Muslim-dominated Seemanchal region. The party has also fielded Manoj Kumar Das from Sikandra in Gaya and Rana Ranjeet Singh from Dhaka in East Champaran.In 2020, AIMIM contested 19 seats and won five, though four MLAs later joined the RJD. Its overtures to the INDIA bloc this year were ignored, prompting the party to go solo in 2025.
Giriraj Singh sparks uproar with ‘namak haraam’ remark
Union minister Giriraj Singh triggered outrage by saying he does not need the votes of “namak haraams” (betrayers) while addressing a rally in Arwal district.“Muslims take the benefits of all central schemes but don’t vote for us… Such people are called ‘namak haraam’,” the BJP MP from Begusarai said.He added, “I asked a maulvi whether he had an Ayushman Bharat card and whether Modi abused him. He said no. Then I asked, what was my fault? Someone who doesn’t acknowledge kindness is a ‘namak haraam’.”JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said Singh was “free to use words as per his choice” but admitted it was “a matter of concern” that some communities benefited from schemes yet did not vote for the BJP. RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwary slammed Singh, saying, “BJP leaders can’t say anything except Hindu-Muslim… They divert attention from issues like unemployment and education.”Independent MP Pappu Yadav also attacked the minister, saying, “Giriraj babu must tell us who supported the British during India’s freedom struggle… Those who supported the enemy should be called ‘namak haraam’.”
JD(U) withdraws candidature of ex-MP in favour of original nominee in Amour seat
The JD(U) found itself in an awkward position after withdrawing Sabir Ali’s candidature from Amour just a day after announcing it. The party reinstated Saba Zafar, who had already filed his nomination on the JD(U) ticket.Zafar told reporters, “There should be no confusion. I filed my nomination papers yesterday. I was never asked to return my poll symbol.”Ali, who had been expelled from the JD(U) in 2014, said, “Admittedly, the news of my candidature had been disseminated from official channels… But I am ready to campaign for JD(U) wherever I am told, even on the Siachen glacier.”The confusion comes as both the NDA and INDIA bloc face internal turmoil over seat sharing and candidate selection ahead of the November 6 and 11 polls.
RJD leader breaks down outside Lalu Yadav’s residence
Former RJD candidate Madan Shah broke down outside the residence of RJD chief and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav on Saturday, alleging betrayal over the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 ticket. Speaking to the media, Shah claimed, “Lalu Prasad Yadav promised to give me a ticket for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. RJD leader Sanjay Yadav had demanded Rs 2.7 crore, and when I refused to pay, the party ticket was given to someone else.” Overcome with emotion, he tore his clothes, fell to the ground, and said, “They will not form the government; Tejashwi is very arrogant, doesn’t meet people. They are giving away tickets. Sanjay Yadav is doing all this. I have come here to die. Lalu Yadav is my Guru.” Shah added that in 2020, Lalu Prasad had promised him a ticket after a community survey.
Chirag Paswan as CM? What the LJP (RV) chief said
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan unveiled a new meaning for his “MY” formula, saying it stands for “Mahilayein and Youth,” under his “Bihar First, Bihari First” vision.“When I talk about ‘MY,’ ‘M’ stands for ‘mahilayein’ (women) and ‘Y’ for youth. Both face similar issues,” Paswan told ANI. “Unlike others who divide youth on caste lines, my focus is on empowerment and development.”Speaking in Patna, Paswan told ANI, “Every party wants its leader to become the chief minister. I myself wanted my father to become the chief minister or even the Prime Minister. Discussions on these topics should be held at the right occasions.” He said his party is contesting 29 seats — the same number his father Ram Vilas Paswan had won in 2005 — calling it a “spiritual connection.” One of the party’s candidates, Seema Singh, had her nomination rejected on technical grounds, and Paswan said the party had approached the Election Commission to reconsider.“If the Mahagathbandhan cannot resolve its internal confusion, how will it work for Bihar’s development? The public has faith in the NDA,” he said, expressing confidence of achieving a “100 per cent strike rate.”
Opposition disarray, PM Modi to launch BJP campaign
The INDIA bloc continued to struggle with seat-sharing talks as the JMM decided to contest six seats independently. The Congress, meanwhile, released five new names, replacing some sitting MLAs amid internal protests over ticket distribution.Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “We are close to reaching an agreement… Things should become clearer by the time withdrawal of nomination papers takes place.”With confusion persisting in both camps, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the BJP’s campaign on October 24, signalling the start of the high-octane phase of Bihar’s two-phase election. Polling will take place on November 6 and 11, and results will be announced on November 14. Go to Source
