Patna: The JD(U) is stepping up preparations for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections with the party focusing on constituencies where it sees organisational and social strength, particularly in Purvanchal. The number and specific seats it will contest, however, are yet to be finalised.Bihar rural development department minister Shrawan Kumar, who is overseeing the party’s preparations in UP, said on Thursday that meetings had been held in 11 divisions and the final meeting would be held in Varanasi on Sept 25. JD(U) working president Sanjay Kumar Jha, water resources department minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bihar health minister Nishant Kumar are expected to attend the meeting.“At present, the stress is on reaching out to people down to the booths in the constituencies. The strength of the JD(U) at the booths in a particular assembly constituency will influence its selection and choice for contesting,” Shrawan said.The party is likely to focus on Purvanchal, where it sees social support among Kurmi and Koeri OBC groups and Bhumihar upper-caste voters. The JD(U) has contested UP assembly elections four times, winning one seat each in 2002 and 2007 in alliance with the BJP, while drawing a blank in 2012 and 2022. In 2022, it contested 26 seats and secured 0.11% of the vote.Other Bihar-based parties, including LJP(RV) and VIP, have also indicated plans to contest the UP polls.
