JD(U) eyes independent run in Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls

The Janata Dal (United), a key constituent of the ruling NDA alliance in Bihar, is preparing to independently contest the 2025 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The party has scheduled a workers' meeting in Varanasi for October 25 to deliberate on its electoral plans and organisational preparedness.

According to party sources, the JD(U) is considering fielding candidates primarily in the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh, an area encompassing eastern districts of the state. This move would represent the party's bid to expand its political presence beyond Bihar, where it has maintained a significant electoral base.

The decision underscores growing assertions of regional parties within the NDA coalition to carve independent political space in states beyond their traditional strongholds. The Varanasi gathering is expected to assess ground-level support and identify potential candidates ahead of the state assembly elections scheduled for next year.

The JD(U), led by Nitish Kumar, has been a consistent NDA partner at the national level. The party's expansion into Uttar Pradesh politics comes as various regional coalitions continue reshaping India's electoral landscape ahead of state-level contests.