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RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s two sons, Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejaswi Yadav, have entered electoral politics following the footsteps of their father. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced their names for consequent five-phase Assembly polls in Bihar.

According to the candidates’ list announced by the CM for the ‘Grand Secular Alliance’, Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejaswi Yadav will contest from Yadav-dominated Mahua and Raghopur seats respectively. In 2010, both the seats in Vaishali district were with the JD(U).

MLA of Mahua, Ravindra Rai has joined HAM (S) and the party nominated him. At Raghopur, Satish Kumar joined BJP and was fielded from the seat. In 2010, Rabri Devi was defeated by Satish Kumar.

Subedar Singh was chosen by RJD has against Jitan Ram Manjhi, former chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM-S) leader, at Makhdumpur (SC). Uday Narayan Chaudhary, outgoing Assembly Speaker, was retained at Imamganj (SC), to take on Mr. Manjhi contesting from two seats.

Of the total seats, 10% of women were given tickets. Thus, 25 women candidates were selected. The candidate for Rajgir (SC) seat would be named later, Mr. Kumar said.

Mr. Kumar said, “each party has its area of influence and this has been kept in mind to help others’ candidates,” in a reply to a question on parties tilt towards few catergories.

During the release of the list of the candidates by the Chief Minister, State presidents of constituent parties JD(U), RJD and Congress in Basistha - Narayan Singh, Ramchandra Purbe and Ashok Chaudhary were present.

As soon as the list was read out, large protests began at the JD (U) office. The complaints were the denial of tickets to persons of their interest.

-Sumana