Nominations for eight Bihar Legislative Council seats close on Tuesday, October 6. Scrutiny takes place on October 7, withdrawals are allowed till October 9, polling is on October 23 and counting on October 27.

The Congress announced five candidates on October 1-2, setting up direct ‘friendly fights’ with ally RJD in three graduates’ constituencies – Patna, Darbhanga and Kosi. The RJD had earlier named candidates for six seats. Congress renominated former state president Madan Mohan Jha from Darbhanga Teachers, where the RJD has no rival.

Both parties call the overlap a friendly fight, but the BJP and JD(U) have attacked the opposition, calling it proof of zero coordination inside the Mahagathbandhan.

The seats are elected by graduates’ and teachers’ constituencies, not the general voter. Past friendly contests have split opposition votes and helped the ruling NDA, making this round a test of alliance management. The outcome will also signal how united the opposition is ahead of the assembly polls due next month.