Ticket shake-up alters political scene in Aurangabad

Aurangabad: Aurangabad district has emerged as a political flashpoint following the announcement of candidates for the 2025 assembly elections. The ticket distribution by major parties has triggered discontent with both the RJD and the NDA replacing several familiar faces with new contenders in the six constituencies — Aurangabad, Rafighanj, Goh, Nabinagar, Kutumba and Obra.

In a major reshuffle, the RJD has dropped three sitting MLAs, signalling generational change. In Rafiganj, Mohammad Nihaluddin has been replaced by Ghulam Shahid, former chairman of the Rafiganj nagar panchayat. In Goh, Bhim Yadav has made way for district president Amrendra Kushwaha, who represents the party’s push to empower younger leaders and attract Kushwaha voters. In Nabinagar, two-time MLA Vijay Kumar Singh alias W. Singh has been replaced by Amod Chandravanshi, the prakhand pramukh of Kutumba.

The NDA has also made sweeping changes. In Aurangabad, the BJP has replaced veteran Ramadhar Singh with Trivikram Narayan Singh, while in Nabinagar, JD(U) has dropped former MLA and ex-MP Virendra Kumar Singh for Chetan Anand, son of Anand Mohan and Lovely Anand. In Rafiganj, the BJP has fielded Pramod Singh, who had earlier contested as an Independent.

The Congress has retained its sitting MLAs in Aurangabad and Kutumba, while the RJD has reposed faith in Rishi Kumar from Obra. The sweeping changes across both alliances have set the stage for an unpredictable contest in Aurangabad this election.



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