BJP's Strategic Moves in Bihar By-Elections: New Faces and Political Maneuvering

The BJP announced candidates for the Bihar by-elections, appointing Ashok Kumar Singh and newcomer Vishal Prashant for Ramgarh and Tarari, respectively. Singh seeks to reclaim a lost seat while Prashant represents a significant shift in party dynamics. The elections highlight BJP's focus on consolidating upper-caste support.

In a strategic move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday announced Ashok Kumar Singh, a former Member of Legislative Assembly, and political newcomer Vishal Prashant as their candidates for the upcoming by-elections in Bihar. Singh will contest from the Ramgarh segment, a seat he previously won in 2015 but lost to RJD's Sudhakar Singh in subsequent elections. The vacancy resulted from Sudhakar Singh's recent election to the Lok Sabha from Buxar.

Vishal Prashant, entering politics just months ago, will represent the BJP in the Tarari segment. Prashant is the son of Sunil Kumar Pandey, a notorious gangster-turned-politician, who has historically maintained a strong presence in the area. His candidacy is viewed as a tactical move by the BJP, especially in conjunction with supporting Chirag Paswan over Pashupati Kumar Paras, demonstrating a nuanced internal alliance strategy.

The candidatures reveal BJP's intent to strengthen upper-caste support in regions south of the Ganga, crucial after the party's underperformance against the INDIA bloc in past Lok Sabha polls. Additionally, by-elections are set for Imamganj and Belaganj, with candidates yet to be announced. Meanwhile, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party has entered the fray, fielding candidates for all constituencies save Ramgarh.

(With inputs from agencies.)