In a significant development for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has finalised its seat-sharing arrangement. On Sunday, officials confirmed that both Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest 101 seats each out of the total 243-member assembly. The NDA alliance partners will fiercely compete in the elections scheduled for November 6 and 11, with results to be counted on November 14.
The commitment by the NDA reflects a calculated strategy, as the remaining 41 seats have been allocated among several smaller allies. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) led by Union Minister Chirag Paswan will contest 29 seats. Meanwhile, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) of Jitan Ram Manjhi and Rashtriya Lok Morcha of Upendra Kushwaha will each contest six seats.
This election marks a historical shift, as it is the first time since 2005 when Nitish Kumar first took the NDA to power that the JD(U) will not contest a greater number of seats than the BJP. This change signals the BJP’s growing influence and the JD(U)’s waning dominance in Bihar’s political landscape.
BJP’s Bihar poll in-charge, Dharmendra Pradhan, remarked that the partners reached a decision in an “amicable and cordial manner.” He expressed optimism, saying, “Bihar is ready for another NDA government.” Similar sentiments flowed from Chirag Paswan, Upendra Kushwaha, and JD(U) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha, who all confirmed the talks were unanimously agreed upon.
Despite some earlier reports suggesting discord over seat allocations, Jitan Ram Manjhi accepted his party’s share, asserting, “We are satisfied with what we have received… I will stay with Prime Minister Narendra Modi till my last breath.”
In the previous 2020 assembly elections, the JD(U) contested 115 seats, while the BJP fielded candidates in 110 seats. Unfortunately for the JD(U), they won only 43 seats as compared to the BJP’s 74, which had strained their political alliance and briefly led to Nitish Kumar’s withdrawal from the NDA.
The backdrop of the Bihar Assembly elections showcases a crucial moment in the state’s governance trajectory, as leaders gear up for intense campaigning. Analysts say this seat-sharing strategy indicates calculated risks undertaken by both parties to regain voters’ confidence ahead of the elections.
As the assembly polling draws near, all eyes will be on Bihar, where the NDA hopes to strengthen its position while navigating increasing competition from opposition parties. With the current seat-sharing agreement, both JD(U) and BJP aim to unite their base and ensure a cohesive front in the run-up to the elections.
