Bihar Polls: Minutes Before Filing Nomination, One Phone Call Makes This Candidate Step Back

Last Updated:October 19, 2025, 07:30 IST

Bhagalpur has long been a politically significant seat for the Choubey family.

Arjit Shashwat Choubey. (Photo: X)

In a dramatic twist on Thursday, Arjit Shashwat Choubey, son of senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, withdrew his decision to contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly election from Bhagalpur as an Independent candidate.

The 43-year-old, who had arrived at the district collectorate to file his nomination papers, was surrounded by enthusiastic supporters and mediapersons when his phone rang. After a brief conversation marked by short, firm replies, he turned away from the nomination desk and left the premises, sparking curiosity among onlookers.

Later, Choubey explained the abrupt U-turn, revealing that it was a call from his father that changed his mind. “My father told me, ‘You are in the BJP and will remain in the BJP,’" he told reporters. Respecting his father’s directive, Choubey said he decided not to rebel against the party line.

Arjit Shashwat admitted that he had been under intense pressure from the BJP’s top leadership since declaring his intent to contest independently after being denied a ticket for Bhagalpur. The party had once again chosen Rohit Pandey as its candidate for the constituency, a decision that reportedly left Choubey disappointed.

“Today, my father and even my mother spoke to me. It was an instruction from the BJP’s top leadership," he said. “How can I disobey them? I cannot rebel against my party or my country." His statement underscored the internal discipline the BJP expects from its members, especially those from prominent political families.

What do we know about Bhagalpur assembly seat?

Bhagalpur has long been a politically significant seat for the Choubey family. Ashwini Choubey represented the constituency from 1995 to 2010, building a strong local base. However, in recent elections, the seat has been held by Congress’s Ajeet Sharma, who defeated the BJP candidate by a narrow margin of around 1,000 votes in 2020.

Despite the setback, the BJP re-nominated Rohit Pandey for 2025, signalling continuity over change, a decision that initially triggered discontent among local cadres loyal to the Choubey family.

The Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 will be conducted in two phases – November 6 and November 11, with counting scheduled for November 14.

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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