The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar has finalized its seat-sharing arrangement for the vital assembly elections scheduled for November. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will each contest 101 seats in the legislative assembly, while smaller allies will compete for the remaining 41 seats.
According to the latest arrangement, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), led by Union Minister Chirag Paswan, has secured 29 constituencies. The Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), under Jitan Ram Manjhi, will contest six seats, and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha, led by Upendra Kushwaha, is also set to contest six constituencies.
This marks a significant shift in the political landscape, as it is the first time since 2005 that the JD(U) will not fight more seats than the BJP. This change indicates a growing influence of the BJP, while the JD(U) appears to be losing ground in state politics.
Dharmendra Pradhan, the BJP’s Bihar poll in-charge, expressed confidence in the unity of the alliance, stating, “All partners reached the decision in a cordial manner,” and declaring, “Bihar is ready for another NDA government.” Other party leaders, including Paswan, Kushwaha, and JD(U) spokesperson Sanjay Kumar Jha, echoed the sentiment of unity, calling the discussions “amicable and unanimous.”
Despite some prior reports of discontent regarding seat distribution, Jitan Ram Manjhi reaffirmed his loyalty by stating, “We are satisfied with what we have received… I will stay with Prime Minister Narendra Modi till my last breath.” This affirmation underscores the coalition’s attempts to present a united front heading into the elections.
In the 2020 assembly polls, the JD(U) had contested 115 seats, while the BJP fought for 110 and HAM for seven. The election outcomes resulted in JD(U) winning only 43 seats while the BJP secured 74 seats. This disparity strained their partnership, leading to a brief exit of Nitish Kumar from the NDA.
The upcoming Bihar Assembly elections will occur in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 14. These elections are crucial as they will determine the political landscape in Bihar for years to come.
As Bihar gears up for these pivotal elections, the seat-sharing arrangement sheds light on the evolving dynamics within the NDA. Political analysts view this coalition strategy as a reflection of the current sentiments among party supporters and the political maneuvering essential for securing voter trust.
With both parties keen on maximizing their outreach and ensuring a strong campaign, the coming weeks are essential for the NDA. As alliances consolidate and strategies come into focus, voters will closely observe how the NDA presents its united front against the backdrop of a fiercely competitive political arena.
