Bihar Gears Up for “Who Will Become MLC?” BJP Buzzes with Speculation

Patna, Bihar: Even though the term of several MLC seats in Bihar is still some time away, political corridors are already buzzing with speculation over “who will become the next MLC”. With the BJP currently holding 89 MLAs in the state assembly, the party is in a position to send four members to the Legislative Council when the time comes.

MLC Vacancies and Term Expiry

While the Bihar Assembly elections of 2025 have just concluded, attention has already shifted to the upcoming MLC elections. On 28 June 2026, the term of nine MLCs will expire, along with one seat that became vacant following Health Minister Mangal Pandey’s election as MLA.

Based on the current strength of parties, it is expected that out of these nine vacant seats:

• BJP will get 4 seats
• JD(U) will get 4 seats
• RJD will get 1 seat

The MLCs whose terms are ending include:

• JD(U): Dr. Kumud Verma, Prof. Gulam Gaus, Bhisham Sahni, Shree Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha
• BJP: Sanjay Prakash, Samrat Chaudhary
• RJD: Mo Farooq
• Congress: Dr. Sameer Kumar Singh, Dr. Sunil Kumar Singh

By-Election Spotlight: Who Will Take Mangal Pandey’s Seat?

With Mangal Pandey elected as MLA from Siwan, his remaining four-year MLC term is now vacant, triggering a by-election. Political insiders suggest that Deepak Prakash, a minister from Ralomo, could be appointed as MLC, as he is currently not a member of any house. By constitutional rules, ministers must be a member of either House within six months of assuming office. Promises made to Upendra Kushwaha, national president of Ralomo, are also expected to influence this decision.

BJP Braces for Strategic Appointments

Although the MLC elections are still months away, the BJP has already started strategizing. With 89 MLAs at its disposal, the party can comfortably send four candidates to the Council. Discussions in political circles suggest that considerations of caste representation may play a role. Since the cabinet formation, Kurmi, Brahmin, and Rajput communities have reportedly been underrepresented.

• No Kurmi leader has been appointed minister
• Only one Rajput and one Brahmin have received ministerial positions

It is likely that active leaders from these communities may be chosen for MLC nominations. Additionally, a candidate from the Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) could also be considered, though the exact selection remains under wraps.

On the other hand, JD(U) will also nominate four MLCs, though discussions within the party are yet to gain momentum. RJD, still recovering from its recent electoral defeat, has yet to finalize its strategies.

The upcoming MLC elections are shaping up to be a crucial political maneuvering ground, with parties carefully balancing strength, caste equations, and strategic promises to secure key positions in the Legislative Council.