The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has successfully concluded its seat-sharing arrangement for the forthcoming Bihar elections. In a significant development, the two major allies, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) or JD (U), have agreed to contest 101 seats each out of the state’s total 243 assembly constituencies.
This strategic decision was announced by alliance leaders through simultaneous posts on X, following intensive discussions held in Delhi and Patna. Beyond the BJP and JD(U), the seat allocation includes 29 seats for the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), also known as LJP (RV), and six seats each for the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) or HAM (S).
Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who also serves as the Bihar BJP in-charge, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating on X, “The NDA allies have completed the distribution of seats in a cordial atmosphere. All workers and leaders of NDA parties warmly welcome this.”
This seat-sharing marks a notable shift, as it’s the first time since the JD(U) joined the NDA in 2005 that the party, historically a dominant force in Bihar politics, will not contest more seats than the BJP. In the 2020 elections, the JD(U) had contested 115 seats, while the BJP contested 110.
JD(U) working president Sanjay Jha highlighted the alliance’s resolve, posting on X, “Leaders and workers of NDA are resolved and united to make Nitish Kumar the chief minister again with a massive majority. Bihar is ready, NDA government again.”
The distribution saw some contentious moments, with reports indicating that HAM(S) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi had initially sought at least 15 seats. While accepting the leadership’s decision, Manjhi conveyed his feeling of being undervalued, suggesting it could have repercussions within the NDA. Chirag Paswan’s LJP had a different experience in 2020, contesting 135 seats independently and impacting the JD(U)’s performance.
The elections are scheduled to be held in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with the vote counting set for November 14. Political observers believe the timely finalization of the seat-sharing formula will bolster voter confidence and the morale of NDA workers ahead of the crucial electoral contest.