Bihar NDA Finalizes Seat-Sharing Ahead of November Assembly Elections
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar on Sunday announced its seat-sharing formula for the upcoming state assembly elections, slated for November 6 and 11. The agreement keeps 101 seats for both the BJP and the JD(U), assigns 29 seats to Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (RV) and allocates six seats each to Hindustani Awam Morcha (S) led by union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and to Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) headed by former union minister Upendra Kushwaha. The 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly makes this distribution pivotal for the NDA’s bid to retain power in the state.
Details of the Seat Allocation
According to reliable sources, the NDA’s seat distribution reserves four sitting seats for the HAM(S) in Imamganj, Tekari, Sikandra, and Barachatti, in addition to Atri and Kutumba. Kushwaha will contest six seats, including Obra, Sasaram, Madhubani, Bajpatti, Narkatiya, Dumraon, and Mahua. Discussions reportedly included potential seats for Kushwaha in Siwan and Saran, as well as Ujiyarpur and Goh, but the BJP declined to concede those requests.
Key Players and Reactions
The formal confirmation came via posts on X where leaders from the NDA — including JD(U) national executive president Sanjay Kumar Jha, BJP leader and deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary, Kushwaha, and LJP(RV) — described the deal as a united front. They portrayed the distribution as a sign of the coalition’s cohesion and their shared commitment to Bihar’s political stability.
Manjhi signaled some disappointment with the allocations. He had pressed for at least 15 seats for HAM(S), but he publicly reaffirmed his allegiance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing confidence in a Modi-led government at the center and Nitish Kumar continuing as a partner in governance in Bihar. In a post ahead of returning to Patna, Manjhi stated: “Bihar mein bahar hogi, Nitish sang Modi ki sarkar hogi.” He later reiterated his personal pledge of loyalty to Modi, saying he would stand with the prime minister “till my last breath.”
Implications for Voters and the NDA Campaign
The NDA’s seat-sharing formula is a strategic move designed to balance regional and national leadership within the alliance. With BJP and JD(U) each maintaining parity at 101 seats, the NDA seeks to maximize its organizational strength across Bihar’s diverse constituencies while ensuring a credible platform for allied parties. The HAM(S) and RLM gains are also aimed at consolidating support among specific caste, rural, and neighborhood demographics that can influence the poll outcome in late-2024 and early-2025 state elections.
Analysts note that the deal could help prevent intra-ally defections and maintain a unified messaging line against opposition parties. However, the allotment, especially for Kushwaha and Manjhi’s camps, could still become a talking point in the campaign as parties mobilize their cadres, publicize welfare promises, and seek to mobilize turnout on issues ranging from development to law and order.
What Comes Next
With the seat-sharing in place, candidates are expected to begin formal campaigning, including public rallies, policy unveilings, and rapid-fire interactions with voters. The NDA will likely emphasize continuity, development projects, and stability under a Modi-led national government, while Nitish Kumar’s party will focus on Bihar-specific governance achievements and coalition credibility. Opposition parties will respond with their own competitive messaging as campaigns intensify in the run-up to the November election dates.
