Overview: NDA Finalises Its Bihar Seat-Sharing Formula
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Sunday announced the final seat-sharing arrangement for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections. In a landmark update, the BJP and the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] will each contest 101 seats in the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly. The Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will contest 29 seats, while other allied parties will field candidates in a handful of constituencies.
Key Allocations and Players
Under the negotiated formula, the BJP and JD(U) each secure 101 seats, reflecting a major recalibration of the alliance’s internal balance of power. The LJP(RV) is allotted 29 seats, marking a significant role for Chirag Paswan’s party in the NDA lineup. The Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), led by Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha will contest six seats apiece.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who is the NDA’s Bihar election in-charge, announced the final arrangement on X (formerly Twitter) saying the seat-sharing discussions were conducted in a cordial manner and that all NDA partners expressed satisfaction with the outcome. He added that Bihar is ready for another NDA government, signaling confidence ahead of the two-phase elections scheduled for November.
Context: Why This Matters
The new distribution represents a shift in the alliance’s power dynamics. In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, the JD(U) fought 115 seats, the BJP 110, and the LJP contested some seats separately. This time, the JD(U) and BJP are parity partners in terms of seat count, signaling a recalibration of influence within the NDA ahead of the polls.
The negotiations also highlight tensions with smaller allies, such as LJP(RV), HAM(S), and RLM, which previously raised concerns during seat-sharing talks. The final pact suggests a pragmatic resolution to long bargaining periods and aims to present a united NDA front in the two-phase contest.
Opposition Watch: Mahagathbandhan in the Works
Across the political spectrum, the opposition Mahagathbandhan is preparing its own seat-sharing formula. Top sources indicate discussions between RJD and Congress are ongoing, with leadership mayors Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav in New Delhi for talks. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh acknowledged that new partners in the alliance require adjustments in the seat-sharing plan and projected finalization within the next two to three days.
Historically, the Mahagathbandhan’s strength lies in combining regional and national players to maximize electoral seats. The alliance previously fielded 70 seats for Congress and 144 for the RJD in Bihar’s last assembly election, a balance that teams may seek to replicate or adjust this time around.
What This Means for Bihar Voters
For voters, the NDA’s consolidated lineup promises a stable and predictable election narrative, with two major national and regional forces presenting a united front while accommodating key allies. The allotted seats will shape candidate selection, regional leadership visibility, and the prioritization of development and welfare issues across districts.
Meanwhile, the opposition’s ongoing seat-sharing talks could influence campaigning dynamics as parties marshal local leaders and manifestos. The final declaration of candidates from both blocs could occur in the days leading up to the November votes, with two phases slated for November 6 and 11.
Timeline Forward
With the NDA’s seat-sharing now out in the open, attention turns to the Mahagathbandhan’s announcements and the formal filing of candidates. Political observers will watch how the two alliances mobilize ground-level support, navigate local issues, and respond to evolving voter concerns in Bihar’s diverse constituencies.
Bottom Line
The NDA’s Bihar seat-sharing, placing BJP and JD(U) on 101 seats each and assigning 29 to Chirag Paswan’s LJP(RV), underscores a recalibrated balance within the ruling coalition ahead of elections. As the opposition camps race to finalize their lineup, Bihar’s political landscape is poised for a high-stakes contest in November.
