Bihar Elections 2025: BJP-JDU To Finalise Seat Sharing Deal Soon

The ruling NDA and opposition Grand Alliance are negotiating seat-sharing arrangements for the Bihar Assembly elections. Meetings are underway as parties aim to finalise candidate selections and distribution of constituencies to ensure strategic outcomes.

Following the announcement of the Bihar Assembly election schedule, both the ruling NDA and the opposition Grand Alliance are yet to finalise their seat-sharing arrangements. Meetings are being conducted separately by the constituent parties of these alliances to discuss this matter.

The BJP Election Committee is set to convene its third meeting at the party's state headquarters in Patna. Union Minister and BJP Election In-charge Dharmendra Pradhan, along with State President Dr. Dilip Jaiswal and other committee members, will deliberate on seat distribution and candidate selection. The BJP is anticipated to finalise its list of candidates for most seats during this meeting.

Speaking to reporters in Patna, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said, "Once everything (on seat sharing) is finalised, you will be informed. It will be told after the meeting. No one is angry, everyone is happy and everyone will remain happy."

Seat Distribution Plans

Reports suggest that JD(U) plans to contest 103 seats, a decrease from 115 in 2020. Meanwhile, the BJP is expected to field candidates in 102 constituencies, down from 110 previously. The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) might be allocated 20–25 seats, focusing on areas where it currently has five sitting MPs.

Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) could contest eight seats, having contested seven and won four last time. Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP may receive five to six seats.

In parallel, JD(U) National President and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been engaging with senior party leaders to finalise their candidate list. These discussions aim to ensure a strategic approach for the upcoming elections.

Grand Alliance Preparations

The Congress Party within the Mahagathbandhan Grand Alliance is holding a Central Election Committee meeting in New Delhi today. Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) President Rajesh Ram mentioned that they would deliberate on potential seats under their share. Discussions are ongoing between Rashtriya Janata Dal and other alliance partners regarding seat allocation.

The Grand Alliance's Election Coordination Committee recently held its sixth meeting under RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav's chairmanship. CPI General Secretary D. Raja stated that some issues related to seat sharing are nearing resolution.

CPI(ML) has expressed a demand for a fair number of seats, citing their strong performance in previous elections as justification for a respectable share of constituencies. CPI(ML) Central Committee Secretary Kumar Parvez emphasised the party's track record in securing victories in past Assembly elections.