Bihar: NDA Seat-Sharing Finalised: Here's How Many Seats BJP-JDU Are Likely To Contest

Following high-level talks in Delhi led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Bihar's National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has cemented its seat-sharing formula for the upcoming Assembly elections. A formal announcement is expected shortly, Dainik Bhaskar reported, citing sources.

Under the new consensus, Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) or JDU will contest in 102 constituencies, while its principal partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), will field candidates in 101 seats. This arrangement maintains the Chief Minister's position as the coalition's senior partner in the state, sources told the website.

The remaining seats have been allocated to smaller allies. Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has been allotted 20 seats, a significant inclusion after playing the role of a spoiler in 2020. Former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) will each contest 10 seats.

This allocation represents a reduction for both major parties compared to the 2020 elections, where the JDU contested 115 seats and the BJP 110. While the numerical breakdown is now clear, the alliance is still deliberating on the specific constituencies each party will contest.

The pact underscores a strategic realignment, especially concerning Chirag Paswan. In 2020, his party contested independently and, while winning only one seat, was widely seen as damaging the JDU's performance in over 30 constituencies by splitting the vote. His formal entry into the seat-sharing deal marks a unified NDA front.

Meanwhile, the opposition Mahagathbandhan, comprising the RJD and Congress, has intensified its campaign, with leaders Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav launching a "Voter Adhikar Yatra" to connect with the electorate.