Nearly half a dozen members of the Bihar State Women Commission, whose term will get over by October-end this year, are learnt to be in the race for tickets to contest the future Assembly elections in the state.

From Paliganj, Usha Vidyarthi wants to contest elections while another commission member, Nikki Hembram, wants a ticket for Katoria in Banka. Dilmani Mishra, the commission’s chairperson, is aiming for a ticket for Brahmapur in Buxar while Pratima Sinha, a member, is hoping for a ticket for Islapur seat in Nalanda district.

In the state from various constituencies, all these members have been MLAs. In fact, of the seven members in the existing team of the commission, six, including the chairperson, are former MLAs.

During 2010-15, Mishra was BJP MLA from Brahmapur and during 2005-2010, Usha Vidyarthi was BJP MLA from Paliganj. From Katoria in Banka on a BJP ticket in 2015, Nikki Hembram had contested election but lost. Pratima Sinha as JD(U) MLA from Islampur in Nalanda during 2007-2010.

During 2013-2015, Manju Kumari, also a member of the commission, was JD(U) MLA from Samastipur. During 2005- 2010, Renu Devi was JD(U) MLA from Dev in Aurangabad.

“Working at the commission offered me enough opportunity to work for women. But being an MLA offers a much bigger platform to work for the entire population of an area,” said Mishra, who is eyeing a JD(U) ticket this time.

Vidyarthi said she had worked hard in Paliganj. “In 2005, people voted for me because they wanted an educated representative. I am a postgraduate and have a degree in law as well,” she said. “I want a ticket from BJP for Paliganj seat, but am not sure about it. If I am not considered, I would contest election as an Independent candidate,” she said. Pratima Sinha is eying a JD(U) ticket from Islampur.