First list of 43 BJP candidates for Bihar polls

BJP on Tuesday released the first list of 43 candidates for the high-stakes Bihar polls, giving about 60 per cent representation to those from SC and backward castes in an apparent attempt to target the base of rival JD(U)-RJD combine.

Five nominees in the list are Yadavs, the most numerous OBC group which has traditionally backed RJD's Lalu Prasad but is being vigorously wooed by BJP. Over 50 per cent of the candidates are women and youth while close to 60 per cent belong to SC and backward castes, said senior BJP leader and Union Minister JP Nadda while releasing the list after the meeting of the party's Central Election Committee.

The list carries the names of 26 sitting party MLAs while three sitting legislators have been denied party ticket.

BJP became the first main party to announce its candidates for elections to the 243-member Bihar Assembly that will take place between October 12 to November 5.

Here is the list of the names of the 43 BJP candidates for Bihar polls