On the BJP list of candidates for the Bihar Assembly elections, the ‘son rise’ has drawn the attention of all. Only two Muslim candidates are in fray for the party.
Meanwhile, its partner in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena, on Sunday formally jumped into the battlefield, at least in 150 seats, which may cut into the BJP vote bank.
On Sunday evening, the BJP released its third list of 11 candidates with one Muslim candidate from Muslim-dominated Kochadhaman constituency.
On Saturday night, the party released its second list with 99 candidates, including a Muslim candidate.
Out of 153 candidates, the BJP has fielded only two Muslim candidates — Saba Zafar from Amour in Purnea and Abdur Rahman from Kochadhaman in Kishanganj district. Saba Zafar had won the 2010 Assembly election from Amour on the BJP ticket.
Under its caste calculus, the BJP has given ticket to 44 upper caste candidates (13 Brahmins, 22 Rajputs, 8 Bhumihars and 1 Kayastha), 13 Yadavs, 14 Vaishyas, 14 Dalits, 8 from Extremely Backward Castes and 5 Kushwaha candidates. The party has dropped 14 sitting MLAs and borrowed 11 from other parties.
The BJP has given ticket to Satish Kumar, who left the ruling Janata Dal (United) two days ago, to pitch him against Tejaswi Yadav, younger son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad.
