Bihar Legislative Council Elections 2026: Prashant Kishor's Entry Heats Up Race; A Look At Key Seats And Candidates

Jagran Correspondent, Patna: Political activity in Bihar has increased following the announcement of elections for eight seats in the Bihar Legislative Council. Covering four Graduate and four Teacher constituencies, voters across 30 districts, including nearly 150 assembly constituencies, will cast their votes.

The tenure of the current Legislative Council members ends on November 16, 2026. The Election Commission is expected to announce the election schedule in the next few weeks.

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Entry Of Jan Suraaj

The direct participation of Bankipur MLA and Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor makes it a multi-cornered contest. Political parties have stepped up their field preparations.

- Grand Alliance Faction: The RJD has announced candidates for six seats. This move has sparked speculation about a disagreement with its alliance partner, the Congress.

- NDA Faction: In the NDA, Mokama MLA Anant Singh announced his support for Anuj Singh.

List Of 8 Council Seats Going To Polls

4 Graduate Constituencies

• Patna Graduate Constituency: Represented by JD(U)'s Neeraj Kumar, who won this seat three times in a row and defeated RJD's Azad Gandhi in 2020. The constituency covers Patna, Nalanda, and Nawada districts, comprising 25 assembly seats.
• Tirhut Graduate Constituency: The seat fell vacant after Devesh Chandra Thakur became an MP. Independent candidate Banshidhar Vrajwasi won the 2024 by-election. Covers Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Sitamarhi, and Sheohar districts, comprising 28 assembly seats.
• Kosi Graduate Constituency: The largest constituency by area, covering 14 districts: Saharsa, Madhepura, Supaul, Purnia, Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar, Khagaria, Munger, Jamui, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Bhagalpur, and Banka. It comprises 64 assembly seats and is currently held by BJP MLC NK Yadav, who defeated RJD's Nitish Kumar.
• Darbhanga Graduate Constituency: It is represented by Independent MLC Sarvesh Kumar, who defeated JD(U)'s Dilip Kumar Chaudhary. Covers Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur, and Begusarai districts, comprising 37 assembly seats.

4 Teacher Constituencies

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• Patna Teacher Constituency: Represented by BJP's Prof. Naval Kishore Yadav. The BJP has held this seat for nearly three decades.
• Darbhanga Teacher Constituency: Represented by former Congress state president Dr Madan Mohan Jha.
• Saran Teacher Constituency: Represented by Independent MLC Afaq Ahmed.
• Tirhut Teacher Constituency: Represented by CPI MLC Sanjay Kumar Singh.

2020 Election Schedule

For the 2020 election, the dates were announced on September 25. Nominations took place between September 28 and October 5, followed by scrutiny on October 6 and withdrawals until October 8. Voting was held on October 22, and counting took place on November 12.