Bihar Elections 2025: Congress Faces Internal Revolt as Fourth Candidate List Sparks Seat-sharing Tensions

Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: Congress has released its fourth list for the Bihar Assembly elections, which includes the names of six new candidates. So far, the party has announced its candidates for a total of 60 seats. According to the latest Congress list, Surendra Prasad Kushwaha has been fielded from Valmiki Nagar, Abidur Rahman from Araria, Jalil Mastan from Aamro, Tauqeer Alam from Barari, Praveen Singh Kushwaha from Kahalgaon, and Vinod Chaudhary from Sikandra.

Kahalgaon-Sikandra Political Flashpoint

Congress has made a major move by nominating Praveen Kushwaha for the Kahalgaon seat. This seat has long been a point of contention between the Congress and the RJD. Vinod Chaudhary has been given the ticket for the Sikandra assembly constituency. It's worth noting that Congress released its first list on October 17th, which contained 48 names. Subsequently, the second list included one candidate, the third five, and now the fourth list includes six.

बिहार विधानसभा चुनाव के लिए कांग्रेस उम्मीदवारों की लिस्ट। pic.twitter.com/4Qe6kncgkk

— Congress (@INCIndia) October 19, 2025

Growing infighting within the India coalition

Ahead of the Bihar elections, differences within the alliance have surfaced. Disgruntled RJD and Congress leaders have alleged irregularities and corruption in ticket distribution. Sources indicate that the chief ministerial candidate and the seat-sharing formula between the allies remain unclear, with less than 24 hours remaining for the second round of nominations.

Ritu Jaiswal raised the flag of rebellion

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's arbitrary ticket distribution also sparked protests. Party media chief Ritu Jaiswal announced she would contest the Parihar seat as an independent candidate against party candidate Smita Purve. She wrote on social media that Smita's father-in-law, Ramchandra Purve (former state president), was responsible for her defeat in 2020.

Leaders Angry Over Ticket Denial

A crowd of ticket aspirants gathered throughout the day at Lalu Yadav's residence, 10 Circular Road, in Patna. The anger among the leaders denied tickets was palpable. Madan Prasad Sah, who narrowly lost the Madhuban seat last time, burst into tears upon hearing the news of his ticket being denied. He even tore his clothes and lay down on the road in protest. He alleged that he had worked with Lalu Yadav for decades, sold his land, and contested the 2020 elections, yet he was ignored. He also accused Tejashwi Yadav of being arrogant and giving the ticket to a "BJP agent."