Key Takeaways

  • The nomination deadline for the first phase of Bihar Assembly Elections concluded on Friday amid heavy political activity in Muzaffarpur.
  • A total of 150 nomination papers were filed for 11 assembly constituencies in the district.
  • Prominent candidates from BJP, Congress, RJD, JDU, LJP (R), and independent rebels submitted their papers on the final day.
  • Nomination scrutiny will take place on October 18, and withdrawals will be allowed till October 20.

A Day of Intense Political Activity in Muzaffarpur

Muzaffarpur’s Collectorate campus turned into a political battleground on the last day of nominations. Supporters thronged the venue, waving party flags, raising slogans, and accompanying their leaders to file papers. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the district’s 11 assembly seats witnessed a record 150 nominations, setting the stage for a fierce electoral contest.

Prominent Contenders and Symbolic Processions

On the BJP side, Ranjan Kumar filed his nomination from the Muzaffarpur seat, while the Congress fielded Bijendra Chaudhary, who led an energetic procession from his Pankaj Market residence to the Collectorate. The day also saw a massive rally at Muzaffarpur Club Ground, where Union Ministers Nityanand Rai and Dr. Rajbhushan Nishad addressed supporters at a combined Nomination and Blessing Ceremony.

From other constituencies:

  • E. Ajit Kumar (JDU) filed from Kanti,
  • Dr. Arun Kumar Singh (BJP) from Baruraj,
  • Raju Kumar Singh (BJP) from Sahebganj,
  • Baby Kumari (LJP-R) from Bochahan,
  • Ajay Kumar (JDU) from Minapur,
  • Madan Chaudhary (RLM) from Paroo.

The opposition alliance also presented strong contenders:

  • Rajeev Kumar alias Munna Yadav (RJD) from Minapur,
  • Sunil Kumar Suman (RJD) from Kudhni,
  • Niranjan Rai (RJD) from Gaighat,
  • Shankar Prasad (RJD) from Paroo,
  • Umesh Ram (Congress) from Sakra,
  • Yogendra Sahni (VIP) from Aurai,
  • E. Rakesh Kumar (VIP) from Baruraj.

Rebels Enter the Fray as Independents

Adding intrigue to the contest, two rebel leaders — Ashok Kumar Singh (sitting BJP MLA from Paroo) and Md. Aftab Alam (CPI-ML rebel from Aurai) — filed as independent candidates. Earlier, Sanjay Kumar Kejriwal, a rebel from Jan Suraaj, had already filed his nomination independently. Their presence could disrupt traditional vote banks and challenge established party equations.

Legacy and Political Lineage

Among the notable figures, Congress candidate Umesh Ram carries a political legacy. His father, Fakirchand Ram, was elected MLA in 1985 and served as the Chief Whip of the Congress in the Bihar Assembly. Despite narrowly losing the last election by about 1,200 votes, Umesh’s renewed campaign reflects the persistence of old political families in Bihar’s evolving landscape.

The Road Ahead: Scrutiny and Withdrawals

According to the Election Commission schedule:

  • Scrutiny of nomination papers: October 18, 2025
  • Last date for withdrawal: October 20, 2025

Post-withdrawal, the final list of candidates for all 11 constituencies will be published. The political temperature in Muzaffarpur is expected to rise further as parties shift focus from nomination to full-fledged campaigning.

Did You Know?

The 2020 Bihar Assembly election saw Muzaffarpur record a 62.4% voter turnout, one of the highest in North Bihar. Analysts predict a similar or even higher participation this time, especially with multiple young and independent candidates in the mix.

Conclusion

The conclusion of the nomination phase in Muzaffarpur sets the tone for a dynamic and unpredictable electoral battle. With 150 candidates, including rebels, veterans, and first-timers, the district is poised to be one of Bihar’s most-watched battlegrounds. The coming days will determine alliances, withdrawals, and strategies — shaping the narrative for Election 2025 in one of Bihar’s most politically charged districts.

FAQs

When will the nomination papers be scrutinized?

The scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on October 18, 2025.

What is the deadline for withdrawal of nominations?

Candidates can withdraw their nominations until October 20, 2025.

How many total nominations were filed in Muzaffarpur district?

A total of 150 nominations were filed across 11 assembly constituencies.

Which major parties have fielded candidates?

Major parties include BJP, Congress, RJD, JDU, LJP (Ram Vilas), VIP, and RLM.

Are there any independent or rebel candidates?

Yes, rebel candidates like Ashok Kumar Singh, Md. Aftab Alam, and Sanjay Kumar Kejriwal have entered the race as independents.

References

  • Election Commission of India. (2025). Bihar Assembly Election Schedule and Guidelines.
  • District Election Office, Muzaffarpur. (2025). Official Nomination Records.
  • Local Correspondent Reports, Muzaffarpur Daily (Oct 2025).