News Brief
NDA Nears Final Seat-Sharing Deal in Bihar Ahead Of Assembly Polls: BJP, JD(U) Likely To Contest Equal Seats
Nitish Kumar, Narendra Modi and Chirag Paswan.
With Assembly elections in Bihar only months away, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nearly finalised seat-sharing talks, Indian Express reported, citing sources.
The BJP and Janata Dal (United) have reportedly agreed to contest an equal number of seats, likely between 100 and 105 each, out of the 243 constituencies.
The Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), which demanded 40 seats, may get about half.
The remaining seats will go to Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha (Secular) and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
However, Mukesh Sahani’s Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), currently with the RJD-Congress alliance, could reportedly alter the equations if it shifts sides.
In 2020, JD(U) contested 115 seats, BJP 110, VIP 11, and HAM(S) seven, while the LJP contested 135 independently.
BJP emerged stronger partner, winning 74 seats, against JD(U)’s 43.
“The polls are being fought under Nitish Kumar’s leadership… There’s no question of the JD(U) contesting fewer seats than the BJP," a senior NDA leader was quoted as saying by IE.
Seat-sharing talks have settled between BJP and JD(U), but the negotiations with LJP (RV) remains contentious.
“They’ve been demanding 40 seats, which is way above their weight… the realistic figure is closer to 20," A BJP leader was quoted as saying by IE.
The LJP (RV)'s demand stems from its 2024 Lok Sabha success—winning all five seats it contested with over 6 per cent vote share.
However, JD(U) leaders dismiss this, arguing that Parliamentary polls were fought under PM Modi's leadership while Assembly polls hinge on grassroots strength.
