Jan Suraaj names candidates for 5 Bihar MLC seats

The Jan Suraaj Party (JSP), led by Prashant Kishor, has unveiled its candidates for five Legislative Council seats in Bihar. The announcement comes as the party prepares to compete in the upcoming elections for eight graduates’ and teachers’ seats, which are set to be announced soon. These constituencies, comprising four graduates’ and four teachers’ seats, have terms expiring in November.

At a press conference, Kishor revealed that Afaq Ahmed, who previously won the seat with the party’s support six years ago, is seeking re-election from the Saran teachers’ constituency. Divya Jyoti, a lawyer and academician who recently joined JSP, will contest from the Patna teachers’ constituency, currently held by JD(U) chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar.

The party has nominated S P Rai for the Darbhanga teachers’ constituency and Ravindra Yadav for the Darbhanga graduates’ seat. Additionally, Ravindra Yadav will contest the Kosi graduates’ constituency. The Legislative Council election is distinct from the Bihar Assembly polls and will take place in around 30 districts of the state.

Unlike Assembly elections, the Legislative Council contests are decided by specialized electorates comprising eligible graduates and teachers. Candidates’ local influence, their standing among these voters, and the organizational strength of their parties are expected to play a significant role in the eight contests. With five candidates now declared, JSP plans to announce three more nominees if it proceeds with its strategy to contest all eight seats.