BJP Announces 9 Rajya Sabha Candidates, Bihar Becomes Key Battleground in NDA's 2026 Election Strategy The Bharatiya Janata Party has released its initial list of nine candidates for the 2026 Rajya Sabha elections, marking a significant step in the political landscape ahead of the biennial polls. The announcement underscores Bihar as a critical state where the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is likely to face intense competition. The party’s central election committee has cleared the names, setting the stage for a strategic contest in several states. In Bihar, the BJP has nominated Nitin Nabin and Shivesh Kumar. Nabin, currently an MLA from the Bankipur Assembly constituency, will need to resign from his legislative seat upon joining the Rajya Sabha, triggering an inevitable by-election in Bankipur. A prominent figure within the state’s organizational structure, Nabin belongs to the Kayastha community. His candidacy highlights the party’s focus on maintaining its influence in the state. The second Bihar nominee, Shivesh Kumar, comes from a Scheduled Caste background. A former MLA, Kumar contested the Sasaram Lok Sabha seat in 2024 but lost the election. His background as a former IAS officer and son of former BJP MP Munilal Ram adds layers to his political profile. The announcement has also raised questions about Upendra Kushwaha, a key figure in Bihar politics. With the BJP fielding two candidates from the state, speculation persists about whether Kushwaha will emerge as a fifth NDA nominee. If so, securing the required number of MLAs could become challenging, potentially leading to a contest with an RJD candidate. Beyond Bihar, the BJP has selected candidates in Assam, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Odisha, and West Bengal. In Assam, Terash Gowalla and Jogen Mohan have been nominated.#bharatiya_janata_party #rajya_sabha_elections #nitin_nabin #shivesh_kumar #upendra_kushwaha
