PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) on Wednesday released its first list of 57 candidates for next month’s state assembly elections.

The NDA ally announced the list amid objections from several leaders, including party MP Ajay Mandal, over ticket distribution.

JD(U) working president Sanjay Kumar Jha said the selection of candidates was based on caste equations and their winnability in specific regions.

The party has retained all its ministers and sitting MLAs, who will seek re-election from their respective constituencies. A significant number of tickets have been allotted to members of the Extremely Backward Classes, who make up nearly 36% of Bihar’s population.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will be present when party candidate Vijay Kumar Chaudhary — a trust

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