Patna: Janata Dal (United) on Wednesday announced four candidates for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Council elections, fielding Neeraj Kumar from Patna graduates’ constituency, Abhishek Jha from Tirhut graduates’, Anand Pushkar from Saran teachers’ and Ghanshyam Rai from Darbhanga teachers’.The candidate list has drawn attention in political circles, particularly the nominations of Kumar and Jha. Kumar, a senior JD(U) leader and prominent party spokesperson, has been fielded from the high-profile Patna graduates’ seat despite opposition from a section within the party. The move is being seen as a signal that JD(U) leadership is unwilling to bow to internal pressure ahead of the polls.Jha’s candidature from Tirhut graduates’ is also significant. Despite losing from the constituency in the previous election, the party has reposed faith in the young leader, underscoring its preference for loyal organisational faces and continuity in key constituencies.With the announcement, JD(U) has opted for a mix of familiar faces and trusted party functionaries as campaigning gathers momentum. The elections are expected to witness keen contests, with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Prashant Kishor-led Jan Suraaj also in the fray in several graduates’ and teachers’ constituencies.Political observers said the nominations reflect the ruling party’s strategy of backing established leaders with organisational experience and public visibility as it seeks to retain its influence in Legislative Council.
