AAP Unveils Second List of 48 Candidates for Bihar Assembly Polls

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has unveiled its second list of 48 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, intensifying its bid to challenge the state's entrenched political order. The announcement, made at the party's Patna headquarters, brings the total number of declared candidates to 59, signaling AAP's aggressive expansion in a state where it has historically struggled for electoral traction. Bihar State President Rakesh Kumar Yadav, flanked by state co-in-charge Abhinav Rai and in-charge Ajesh Yadav, released the list amid growing anticipation for the 243-seat polls expected in late 2025, positioning AAP as a viable third force against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc.

The new candidates hail from diverse backgrounds, including professionals, social activists, and local leaders, spanning constituencies from West Champaran in the state's northwest to Gaya in the south. This geographical spread underscores AAP's strategy to build a statewide presence, targeting both rural heartlands and urban pockets disillusioned with issues like unemployment, migration, and poor infrastructure. Standouts in the second list include Dr. Jitender Kumar Yadav from Barharia, a medical professional advocating for rural healthcare; Rajendra Prasad Singh from Lalganj, a veteran social worker focused on farmer rights; Dr. Rajesh Kumar Ratnakar from Mokama, known for environmental activism; and Madhumala Kumari from Belaganj, a women's rights campaigner. Amit Kumar Singh, fielded from Taraiya in Saran district, adds to the mix with his emphasis on education reform. The selections reflect AAP's emphasis on winnable seats with candidates who resonate with local grievances, aiming to capitalize on anti-incumbency against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U)-BJP coalition.

This follows AAP's inaugural list of 11 candidates released on October 6, which included Meera Singh from Begusarai, Bhanu Bhartiya from Kasba in Purnia, Arun Kumar Rajak from Phulwari in Patna, Pankaj Kumar from Bankipur in Patna, Ashok Kumar Singh from Govindganj in Motihari, and retired Captain Dharmraj Singh from Buxar. That initial disclosure marked AAP's formal entry into Bihar's electoral arena, with the party vowing to contest every seat independently. AAP's Bihar foray builds on its governance successes in Delhi and Punjab, where free electricity, healthcare, and education initiatives have won acclaim. State in-charge Ajesh Yadav, speaking at a press conference, expressed optimism: "We have an approved model of growth and governance. The work done by the Aam Aadmi Party is being discussed across the country. People from Purvanchal contributed immensely to our Delhi victory." He hinted at an impending list of star campaigners, including Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh, and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who have previously rallied support in Bihar.

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AAP's push in Bihar comes at a pivotal moment, as the state grapples with economic stagnation and caste-based alliances that have long dominated politics. Founded in 2012 as an anti-corruption movement, AAP has evolved into a national player but faces steep odds in Bihar, where it garnered just 0.4% vote share in the 2020 elections. The party's decision to go solo, eschewing alliances, risks vote-splitting but aligns with its Delhi blueprint of direct voter outreach. With Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party also entering the fray, the 2025 polls could fragment opposition votes, potentially benefiting the NDA. As AAP accelerates candidate announcements, its focus on "aapki sarkar, aapka faisla" (your government, your decision) aims to appeal to Bihar's youth and migrant workers, promising to transform the state into an education and health hub. The coming months will test whether AAP's outsider appeal can translate into legislative seats.

Also Read: Why Are Bihar Parties Pressing For One Or Two-Phase Assembly Elections?