Bihar Elections 2025 Phase 2: Key Candidates In Fray, High-Profile Contests To Watch On November 11

Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 enter a crucial stage as Phase 2 polling takes place on November 11, deciding the fate of several heavyweight politicians, debutants, independents and high-profile candidates. A total of 1,302 candidates, including 136 women, are contesting across the constituencies going to polls.

Also Check: Bihar Exit Poll 2025 Results LIVE: NDA VS India Bloc vs Jan Suraaj

The battle is primarily between three major blocs:

• NDA (BJP + JD(U) + HAM + VIP)

• INDIA bloc/Mahagathbandhan (RJD + Congress + Left)

• Jan Suraaj Party led by Prashant Kishor, making its electoral debut

 Kahalgaon: Multi-cornered fight

One of the seats to watch is Kahalgaon (Bhagalpur) with a four-way contest:

• Shubhanand Mukesh (JD(U) – NDA)

• Prawin Singh (Congress)

• Rajnish Bharti (RJD)

• Pawan Yadav, rebel BJP leader (Independent)

The traditional Congress stronghold has turned into a fragmented battlefield, increasing unpredictability.

Araria: Former IPS Shivdeep Lande enters politics

In Araria, former IPS officer Shivdeep Wamanrao Lande a popular figure in Bihar, contests as an Independent, disrupting traditional voting patterns. Narpatganj and Forbesganj seats are also under close watch due to unusual candidate line-ups.

Valmiki Nagar & Bettiah: Stakes high for BJP

In Valmiki Nagar (West Champaran), the NDA faces a united Opposition challenge. The border constituency’s outcome is expected to indicate early voter mood in North Bihar.

In Bettiah, senior BJP leader and former Deputy CM Renu Devi seeks re-election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has campaigned for her, signalling the BJP’s focus on the seat.

Top Candidates to Watch in Phase 2

Sumit Kumar Singh (JD(U)) – Chakai

• Minister of Science and Technology

• Known for winning from different platforms-JMM (2010), Independent (2020)

• Faces Independent philanthropist Chandan Kumar Singh, and tribal leader Elizabeth Soren

Shreyasi Singh (BJP) – Jamui

• Shooting gold medallist; prominent political family background

• Defends seat against Mohammad Shamsad Alam (Mahagathbandhan)

Ran Kaushal Pratap Singh (VIP) – Lauriya

• Declared the richest candidate in Phase 2 with assets worth ₹368.98 crore

• Owns multiple luxury cars, high-value land, and investments as per ADR report

Dhirendra Agrawal (Jan Suraaj) – Gaya Town

• Ex-MP taking on BJP veteran Prem Kumar, MLA for eight consecutive terms

• Gaya is a major testing ground for Prashant Kishor’s political experiment

Sheela Mandal (JD(U)) – Phulparas

• Minister for Transport and Communication

• Known for grassroots connect and strong EBC voter base

Jayant Raj Kushwaha (JD(U)) – Amarpur

• Youngest minister in Nitish Kumar’s cabinet

• Defending seat amid internal BJP criticism

Leshi Singh (JD(U)) – Dhamdaha

• Five-time MLA; Minister of Food & Consumer Protection

• Strong political influence and social work record

Ritesh Pandey (Jan Suraaj) – Kargahar

• Popular Bhojpuri actor and singer

• Surprise candidate announced by Prashant Kishor

 Neeraj Kumar Singh “Bablu” (BJP) – Chhatapur

• Environment & Forest Minister

• Relative of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput

• In spotlight due to resurfacing of an old controversial video

Mohammad Zama Khan (JD(U)) – Chainpur

• Ex-BSP MLA who switched to JD(U)

• Faced protests from sections of the Muslim community in past months

When will Bihar Election 2025 exit polls be released?

Exit polls will be announced after Phase 2 voting ends on November 11.

Bihar Assembly Election Result Date

Vote counting will be held on November 14, 2025, with final results expected by evening.

What makes Phase 2 crucial?

• Multiple sitting ministers, former MPs, celebrities and bureaucrats are in play

• Rise of Jan Suraaj adding a third front challenge

• Several triangular and four-cornered contests increasing unpredictability

With power equations shifting, defections rising, and new faces challenging legacy politicians, Phase 2 of Bihar Elections 2025 is poised to shape political momentum for the final phase and beyond.

ALSO READ: ‘Why Would Gen Z Listen To Him?’ Prashant Kishor Takes Dig At Rahul Gandhi Ahead Of Second Phase Of Bihar Elections