Bihar polls

New Delhi: BJP on Tuesday night released the first list of 43 candidates for the high-stakes Bihar polls, giving about 60 per cent representation to those from SC and backward castes in an apparent attempt to target the base of rival JD(U)-RJD combine. Five nominees in the list are Yadavs, the most numerous OBC group which has traditionally backed RJD’s Lalu Prasad but is being vigorously wooed by BJP. Over 50 per cent of the candidates are women and youth while close to 60 per cent belong to SC and backward castes. (PTI)