The BJP is actively strategizing for the upcoming Bihar elections, holding multiple meetings. The party’s election committee met for two days in Patna to finalize preparations. Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister and party in-charge for Bihar elections, chaired the meeting. CR Patil, a cabinet colleague and election co-in-charge, and Vinod Tawde, BJP’s National General Secretary, were also present.
Dilip Jaiswal, BJP’s state unit president, shared details about the meeting, stating that the state election committee discussed their current position in the 243-member assembly, specifically focusing on their 60 seats. The party contested 110 seats in the 2020 elections, winning 75. He added that candidates with good performance and minimal opposition might be considered for a second chance, while others could be replaced. The importance of prioritizing women and youth was also emphasized.
Vinod Tawde expressed confidence that Bihar is prepared to vote for an NDA government again. The Bihar election committee also discussed potential candidates.
Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, Vijay Kumar Sinha, mentioned that the meeting involved comprehensive discussions on the assembly elections. He highlighted that Bihar has achieved new milestones in development and governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Pradhan and Tawde also focused on resolving issues within the five-party alliance. They visited Jitan Ram Manjhi, who is seeking 15-20 seats for his party, the Hindustani Awam Morcha, despite having only four MLAs. Manjhi stated, “I can’t say much about the discussions, but I can assure you that everything is fine.” Manjhi is the sole MP from his party, and his son, a member of the Legislative Council, is a state minister.
The NDA in Bihar, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, includes the BJP-JDU, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) led by Union Minister Chirag Paswan, and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha, led by Rajya Sabha member Upendra Kushwaha. After visiting Manjhi, Pradhan and Tawde met with Kushwaha. Kushwaha, known for his frankness, did not comment after the meeting.
Following these discussions, a meeting of the Bihar BJP core group will be held in Delhi, followed by a meeting of the Central Election Committee, attended by PM Modi, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, and other key members, to finalize the candidates.