NDA Finalizes Seat-Sharing for Bihar Elections: Key Insights

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has formalized its seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Bihar elections, marking a significant development in the political landscape of the state. In a notable shift, the **Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)** and the **Janata Dal-United (JD-U)** will each contest **101 seats**. The **Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)**, led by **Chirag Paswan**, will compete for **29 seats**. Additionally, the **Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular)**, headed by **Jitan Ram Manjhi**, and **Upendra Kushwaha’s** **Rashtriya Lok Morcha** will each contest **six seats**.

This arrangement represents the first instance since their alliance began in **1996** that the JD(U) and BJP will contest an equal number of seats. Historically, the JD(U) has had a greater share in seat allocation, as seen in **2020**, when the JD(U) fielded **115 candidates** compared to the BJP’s **101**. However, the BJP outperformed the JD(U) in that election, winning **74 seats** against the JD(U)’s **43**.

The new seat-sharing agreement signals a substantial change in the power dynamics within Bihar. Observers note that the BJP’s national strategy and organizational strength appear to be overshadowing the regional influence of **Nitish Kumar**, the JD(U) leader. Despite lacking a prominent local candidate, the BJP has relied heavily on the popularity of **Prime Minister Narendra Modi** to strengthen its position in the state.

Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party has emerged as a significant player, particularly following its strong performance in the **2024 Lok Sabha elections**. This success has enhanced Paswan’s bargaining power, with reports indicating that he threatened to contest all **243 seats** if his demands were not met.

Meanwhile, Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha has been allocated **six seats**, a decrease from the previous election cycle. Manjhi’s influence is mainly confined to the Gaya region, and this reduction is perceived as a strategic move to appease Paswan. Additionally, reports suggest that Upendra Kushwaha of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha has been promised a Union ministerial position, indicating the NDA’s broader bargaining strategy.

As the NDA solidifies its position, the opposition **Mahagathbandhan** is yet to announce its own seat-sharing arrangement for the elections scheduled for **November 6 and 11**. Delays in this announcement have been attributed to ongoing negotiations and disagreements between the **Congress** and the **Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)**. A meeting is anticipated on Monday, where **Rahul Gandhi** is expected to confer with **Tejashwi Yadav** of the RJD and **Mukesh Sahani**, head of the **Vikassheel Insaan Party**.

The evolving political landscape in Bihar underscores the complexities of regional alliances and the shifting dynamics as parties prepare for the upcoming elections.