The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar has officially finalised its seat-sharing arrangement for the 243-member assembly elections. Both the ruling Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest 101 seats each. This distribution also includes 41 seats allocated to smaller allies, indicating a strategic approach to maximize electoral chances.
Under this recently established arrangement, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), helmed by Union Minister Chirag Paswan, will contest 29 constituencies. Additionally, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), led by Jitan Ram Manjhi, and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha of Upendra Kushwaha will contest six seats each. This reflects a well-thought-out strategy by the NDA to maximize their electoral footprint in Bihar.
This year’s seat-sharing marks a significant shift in the political dynamics of Bihar. It is the first instance since 2005, when Nitish Kumar first took charge of the NDA, that the JD(U) will not contest more seats than the BJP. This development highlights the BJP’s growing dominance in state politics and the JD(U)’s potential decline.
Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP’s in-charge for the Bihar elections, expressed optimism following the negotiations, stating that all coalition partners reached a decision “in a cordial manner”. He projected confidence that “Bihar is ready for another NDA government.”
Other coalition leaders, including Chirag Paswan, Upendra Kushwaha, and JD(U)’s Sanjay Kumar Jha, echoed this spirit of consensus, describing the discussions as “amicable and unanimous.” This unified front aims to reinforce the NDA’s position in the run-up to the elections.
Despite initial reports suggesting dissatisfaction among allies, Jitan Ram Manjhi expressed contentment with the arrangement, asserting, “We are satisfied with what we have received… I will stay with Prime Minister Narendra Modi till my last breath.” His commitment reflects the necessity for unity in navigating the competitive electoral landscape.
In the previous assembly elections held in 2020, the JD(U) contested 115 seats, with the BJP contesting 110 seats and HAM receiving seven. The outcome saw the JD(U) winning only 43 seats while the BJP secured an impressive 74 seats. This significant disparity momentarily strained the alliance, leading to Nitish Kumar’s temporary exit from the NDA.
The forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled to occur in two phases: on November 6 and November 11, culminating with vote counting on November 14. This timeline sets the stage for a highly competitive electoral battle, with the NDA striving to consolidate its position against potential challengers.
