Patna, June 2 (IANS) With elections to 10 seats of the Bihar Legislative Council scheduled for June 18, discussions over candidate selection and seat-sharing arrangements within the ruling alliance are underway.

A key meeting of Janata Dal (United) leaders was held on Tuesday at the official residence of former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at 7 Circular Road in Patna. Party leaders deliberated on potential candidates for the upcoming elections and discussed organisational strategy.

Sources indicate that Health Minister Nishant Kumar is widely considered a strong contender for one of the Legislative Council seats expected to be allotted to JD(U). Several other party leaders are also actively seeking nominations for the remaining seats.

Among those who met Nitish Kumar was Vidyanand Vikal, former Chairman of the Bihar State Food Commission. Party spokespersons and other senior leaders also reportedly met the JD(U) leadership to present their claims for nomination.

After his meeting, Vidyanand Vikal stated that he had discussed his candidature with the party’s senior leadership and expressed confidence in light of the assurances he received.

The meeting at Nitish Kumar’s residence came shortly after another strategy session held on Sunday at the residence of JD(U) Working President Sanjay Jha.

Despite the ongoing discussions, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary clarified that the party has not yet finalised either the number of seats it will contest or the names of its candidates. He said that once the decision-making process is complete, the party will formally announce all details to the media.

Building Construction Minister Leshi Singh also visited Nitish Kumar’s residence on Tuesday. The timing of the visit fuelled discussions; however, the minister later described the meeting as a routine interaction and denied any special agenda.

As the June 18 Legislative Council elections draw closer, both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and opposition parties are expected to accelerate internal consultations and finalise their candidates in the coming days.

–IANS

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