JD(U) NAMES KANHAIYA PRASAD AS CANDIDATE

JD(U) NAMES KANHAIYA PRASAD AS CANDIDATE

14-APRIL-ENG 14

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------Political activity has intensified regarding the upcoming by-election for the Bhojpur-Buxar Local Authorities' Constituency seat in the Bihar Legislative Council (MLC). The Janata Dal (United) has announced the name of Kanhaiya Prasad as its candidate for this seat. In this regard, a press conference was held in Ara, during which the candidate provided detailed information regarding his candidacy and his future strategy.

This seat had previously fallen vacant after Radhacharan Sah became a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). Radhacharan Sah, who was initially with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), later joined the JD(U) and was elected as an MLA on the party's ticket. Now, the party has decided to carry forward this political legacy by fielding his son, Kanhaiya Prasad, in this by-election. In this election, Kanhaiya Prasad will face off against the RJD candidate, Sonu Kumar Rai.

Although Kanhaiya Prasad's political journey may be nascent, he has long been associated with his family business. He has served as a director in companies such as Broadson Commodities Private Limited, which are active in the fields of mining and trade. The party believes that his experience and family background could prove advantageous for him in the election.

However, Kanhaiya Prasad's name has also been embroiled in controversy. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him in September 2023 in connection with a case involving illegal sand mining and money laundering. After spending approximately nine months in jail, he was granted bail in May 2024. Despite this, the JD(U) has reposed its faith in him by nominating him as its candidate—a move being viewed as his first major political litmus test.

With the announcement of the by-election, the Model Code of Conduct has come into force in the region. According to the election schedule, the official notification will be issued on April 16, while nominations are to be filed by April 23. The scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on April 24, and the process for the withdrawal of nominations will be completed by April 27. Voting will be held on May 12 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and the results will be declared on May 14 following the counting of votes.

Political activity in the region has intensified ahead of this by-election, and all parties have entered the fray with their respective strategies. It now remains to be seen whom the voters will choose to support.