LJP (R) chief Chirag Paswan with Ashraf Ansari
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Bihar Legislative Council elections for 10 seats have gathered pace, with the LJP (Ram Vilas) [LJP(R)] announcing its candidate after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)). The party has fielded Ashraf Ansari as its nominee.
In an official statement, the party said its central parliamentary board had formally approved Ansari’s candidature after detailed discussions regarding the biennial Legislative Council elections scheduled for 2026. Ansari currently serves as the acting state president of the party in Bihar.
Party chief and Union Minister Chirag Paswan announced the decision on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stressing that respect for party workers remains his highest priority. He noted that even in difficult circumstances, party workers have upheld the ideals and principles of Ram Vilas Paswan and worked tirelessly to carry the party’s message across Bihar without seeking personal gain.
Paswan recalled that in 2013, when he was entrusted with responsibilities by the late Ram Vilas Paswan and sent to Bihar, Ansari’s father had organised a successful political event in Bhabua that helped him gain recognition. “It is a matter of honour for me to nominate him for the Legislative Council today,” he said.
He added that the decision should inspire party workers who serve selflessly, underlining that dedication, struggle and loyalty to the organisation are recognised and rewarded in the party. “Workers are our greatest strength, and respecting them is our top priority,” he wrote.
The elections to the Bihar Legislative Council are scheduled for June 18. The JD(U) has nominated Nishant Kumar, Bharti Mehta, Shivranidevi Prajapati and Lalan Prasad, while the BJP has fielded Pawan Singh, Sanjay Mayukh, Anil Kumar Thakur and Sheila Pandit.
Meanwhile, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) leader Deepak Prakash has been made a minister, making his entry into the Council necessary. Attention is now focused on Upendra Kushwaha regarding the party’s next move.
Leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have expressed confidence that their candidates will contest and win all seats. The stance of the opposition, however, remains to be seen.
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