BJP names 9 Rajya Sabha candidates, Bihar picks trigger buzz in NDA

UPDATED: Mar 3, 2026 17:02 IST

The Bharatiya Janata Party has released its first list of nine candidates for the 2026 Rajya Sabha biennial elections, setting the stage for a political churn in several states, with Bihar emerging as a key battleground.

In a press release issued today, the party announced names cleared by its central election committee for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls.

BIHAR: TWO NAMES, BIG RIPPLES

From Bihar, the party has fielded Nitin Nabin and Shivesh Kumar.

Nitin Nabin is currently an MLA from the Bankipur Assembly constituency. With his move to the Rajya Sabha, he will have to resign from the Assembly seat, making a by-election in Bankipur inevitable.

He belongs to the Kayastha community and is considered an important organisational face in the state unit.

The second nominee, Shivesh Kumar, comes from a Scheduled Caste background. A former MLA, he was fielded by the party from the Sasaram Lok Sabha seat in 2024 but lost the election. He is a former IAS officer and the son of former BJP MP Munilal Ram.

The announcement has also triggered fresh speculation around Upendra Kushwaha. With the BJP deciding to field two of its own candidates from Bihar, questions remain whether Kushwaha will emerge as a fifth NDA nominee. If that happens, securing the required number of MLAs could prove challenging, potentially setting up a contest with an RJD candidate.

ASSAM, CHHATTISGARH AND HARYANA PICKS

From Assam, the party has nominated Terash Gowalla and Jogen Mohan.

In Chhattisgarh, Laxmi Verma has been declared the party’s candidate.

Haryana will see Sanjay Bhatia contesting on the BJP ticket.

ODISHA AND WEST BENGAL SELECTIONS

Odisha has been allotted two names, Manmohan Samal, the state BJP president, and Sujeet Kumar.

From West Bengal, the party has nominated Rahul Sinha.

PARTY’S OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The list was released by Arun Singh, National General Secretary and in-charge of the party headquarters, following approval from the central election committee.

The Rajya Sabha biennial elections 2026 are expected to witness keen contests in several states, particularly where numbers are tight. In Bihar, the arithmetic and the possibility of an expanded NDA lineup have already added an element of suspense to what is usually a numbers-driven exercise.

- Ends

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