The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar has officially finalised its seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming elections to the 243-member assembly. On Sunday, both Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest 101 seats each. The remaining 41 seats have been distributed among smaller allies.
In this arrangement, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), led by Union Minister Chirag Paswan, secures 29 constituencies. The Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), under Jitan Ram Manjhi, will contest six seats, and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha, headed by Upendra Kushwaha, will also fight in six constituencies.
This arrangement marks a notable shift as it is the first time since 2005, when Nitish Kumar first led the NDA to power, that the JD(U) will not contest more seats than the BJP. This reflects the BJP’s growing influence and the JD(U)’s diminished standing within Bihar’s evolving political landscape.
BJP’s Bihar poll in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan commented on the seat-sharing, stating that all partners reached the decision “in a cordial manner.” He expressed confidence, adding, “Bihar is ready for another NDA government.” Similarly, leaders like Paswan, Kushwaha, and JD(U) spokesperson Sanjay Kumar Jha emphasized that the discussions were “amicable and unanimous.”
Despite earlier rumors of discontent among allies, Jitan Ram Manjhi accepted the allocation positively, asserting, “We are satisfied with what we have received… I will stay with Prime Minister Narendra Modi till my last breath.”
In the 2020 assembly polls, the JD(U) contested 115 seats while the BJP fielded candidates in 110. The Hindustani Awam Morcha competed in seven. The previous election results created significant tension within the alliance, with JD(U) winning only 43 seats and the BJP securing 74. This outcome led to a temporary rift and Nitish Kumar’s brief exit from the NDA.
The elections will consist of two phases scheduled for November 6 and November 11, with counting of votes set for November 14. As the political temperature rises, all eyes will remain on Bihar, making it a significant focal point in the lead-up to the polls.
