Overview: NDA Finalises Seat-Sharing Amid Negotiations
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has finally formalised its seat-sharing for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, marking a significant recalibration of political weight within the ruling coalition. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on X that the BJP and Janata Dal (United) would each contest 101 seats in the 243-member Bihar Assembly, signaling a balanced division of influence ahead of the two-phase vote scheduled for November.
Key Allocations and Partners
As per the finalised agreement, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), led by Union Minister Chirag Paswan, will contest 29 seats. The Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), led by Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha have been allotted six seats apiece. Pradhan described the process as cordial, noting that all NDA partners expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
Political Context: Shifts Within the NDA
The seat-sharing marks a notable shift from the 2020 Bihar elections, when the JD(U) took on 115 seats and the BJP 110, with the LJP contesting independently. This time, the JD(U) will match the BJP in seat count for the first time, reflecting a recalibration of the alliance’s internal power dynamics. Pradhan highlighted that the arrangement aims to strengthen the NDA’s electoral readiness in Bihar, asserting, “Bihar is ready for another NDA government.”
The Negotiation Landscape
The negotiations spanned several weeks, with the BJP leadership engaging its smaller allies in tough bargaining moments. While the LJP(RV), HAM(S), and RLM pressed for favourable seats, the final pact was reached after discussions among party leaders and workers in a generally constructive atmosphere.
Opposition Strategy: Mahagathbandhan in Wait
Across from the NDA, the opposition Mahagathbandhan is expected to finalise its own seat-sharing in the coming days, potentially announcing a joint manifesto this week. Talks between major Mahagathbandhan components, including the RJD and Congress, are ongoing, with leadership meetings anticipated in the national capital. Congress leaders have signalled the need to accommodate newly aligned partners in seat-sharing, hinting at a broader reconfiguration for the alliance ahead of the elections.
What This Means for Bihar Voters
The revised NDA distribution underscores a strategic focus on parity between two of the coalition’s largest partners while offering space to smaller allies. For voters, the two-phase election on November 6 and 11 will test the ability of the NDA to project unity and deliver a coherent platform amid shifting alliances. The Congress, which contested 70 seats in the last poll, has indicated a potential range of 50 to 100 seats for its participation, illustrating the evolving calculus among opposition players ahead of polling day.
Looking Ahead
As Bihar moves toward the polls, all eyes will be on how these seat allocations translate into campaign momentum, candidate selections, and local dynamics across districts. With the NDA presenting a unified front and the Mahagathbandhan to harmonise its lineup, the campaign season promises to be a critical barometer of Bihar’s political trajectory in the coming months.
