By Kavita Sharma
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, June 5, 2026: Janata Dal (United) has announced its candidates for the 2026 biennial elections and by-election to the Bihar Legislative Council.
The names were released through an official communication signed by the party’s state president, Umesh Singh Kushwaha, on Friday.
The party has fielded four candidates seeking to maintain a balance of social representation, regional diversity, and organizational experience.
Janata Dal (United)’s candidates for the biennial elections:
For the three seats going to the biennial elections, Janata Dal United has nominated Nishant Kumar—Patna district, Bharti Mehta—Madhubani, and Shivani Devi Prajapati—West Champaran.
For the by-election to a vacant Legislative Council seat, the party has nominated Lalan Prasad of Sheikhpura.
The by-election is expected to attract considerable political attention as parties finalize their respective nominees.
Nishant Kumar is currently serving as Bihar’s Health Minister, Nishant Kumar is regarded as one of the prominent younger faces of JD(U).
He belongs to the backward caste community and is the son of Nitish Kumar, who led Bihar for more than two decades and now serves as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.
Dr. Bharti Mehta presently holds the position of State President of the JD(U) Women’s Wing and party spokesperson.
Hailing from Madhubani district, she represents the Extremely Backward Class (EBC) community. She has also previously served as the Chairperson of the Bihar Sanskrit Shiksha Board.
A native of West Champaran, Shivrani Prajapati also represents the EBC community.
She has served as a state secretary of the party and as the District Council Chairperson of Bettiah.
Within the organization, she is recognized for her work in strengthening the party’s grassroots structure.
Lalan Prasad, a resident of Sheikhpura district, has been associated with Nitish Kumar since the days of the Samata party. Representing the EBC community, he has held several organizational responsibilities over the years and is considered a longstanding loyalist within the party.
Focus on social and women’s representation:
The candidate selection reflects Janata Dal (United)’s effort to balance social equations and regional aspirations. By nominating Bharti Mehta and Shivrani Prajapati, the party has also emphasized greater participation of women in leadership roles.
The inclusion of candidates from the EBC community further aligns with Janata Dal (United)’s longstanding political strategy of broad social representation. Following the announcement, the party organization has reportedly accelerated preparations for the Legislative Council elections. Instructions have been issued to party workers and local units to actively support the official candidates.
Janata Dal (United) leaders believe that the alliance’s organizational strength and the support of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will provide a strong foundation for the candidates in the upcoming contests.
Political observers view the announcement as an indication of the NDA’s broader electoral strategy in Bihar.
With the nomination process now underway, attention is expected to shift toward the candidates fielded by rival parties, setting the stage for an increasingly active Legislative Council election campaign in the coming weeks.
Also Read: JDU supporters urged Nitish Kumar to hand over the CM post to Nishant Kumar.
EOM.
