The Congress party on Thursday announced its first list of 48 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, resolving a long-standing deadlock within the Mahagathbandhan over seat-sharing. The list includes four Muslim candidates, reflecting the party’s effort to consolidate minority votes in key constituencies. The Muslim nominees are Umar Khan from Bihar Sharif, Wasi Ahmad from Bettiah, Prof Maswar Alam (also known as Musabbir Alam) from Bahadurganj, and Shakeel Ahmad Khan from Katihar.
Rajesh Ram, the state Congress president, has been re-nominated from Kutumba in Aurangabad. Party insiders said the leadership aimed to balance social representation while rewarding loyalty, describing the inclusion of Muslim candidates as a conscious step to ensure fair representation.
The list, released a day before the final date for filing nominations for the first phase, includes 24 candidates for each phase. Senior leaders such as Ajit Sharma from Bhagalpur and Anand Shankar Singh from Aurangabad have also been re-nominated, while other candidates include Vijendra Chaudhary from Muzaffarpur, Gappu Rai from Govindganj, and Amita Bhushan from Begusarai.
Umar Khan’s candidature from Bihar Sharif, a constituency with a diverse voter base, has already generated excitement among minority voters. A local party worker said, “Umar Khan’s candidature has energised the minority voters. He has strong local support and represents the youth’s aspiration for change.”
While 48 names have been announced so far, Congress indicated that additional candidates may be revealed soon. A senior party leader involved in seat-sharing negotiations said, “The final round of talks within the Mahagathbandhan is almost over. This list reflects our readiness for the first two phases, though some strategic adjustments may still happen.”
The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled in two phases, 6 November and 11 November, with counting on 14 November. Political analysts see Congress’s move as an effort to strengthen its position within the Grand Alliance, particularly after recent tensions with allies like RJD and Left parties.
The decision to field four Muslim candidates is also viewed as a clear signal to Bihar’s significant Muslim population, which can be decisive in many constituencies. Shakeel Ahmad Khan said, “The Congress has always stood for inclusion and equal representation. Our aim is to raise the voice of every community and ensure justice and dignity for all.”
A Patna-based political analyst noted, “By giving space to Muslim candidates in winnable seats, Congress has sent a strong message — it wants to revive its secular image and reconnect with its grassroots support.”
