NDA finalises seat-sharing for Bihar polls; BJP, JD(U) to contest 101 each, Chirag gets 29

In a major pre-poll development, Bihar’s ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Sunday (October 12) revealed its final seat-sharing plan for the two-phase election in November.

As per the arrangements, the two major parties of the bloc – the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) – will contest in 101 seats each out of the total Assembly constituencies of 243. Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram-Vilas), which did not contest the 2020 election as part of the NDA, will contest in 29.

Also read: Bihar polls: To woo NDA's voter base and rein in allies, Tejashwi expands RJD's caste net

The Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) of former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and Rastriya Lok Morcha of Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha got six seats each to field their candidates.

LJP(R-V) wanted 40-50 seats: Sources

Sources said while the LJP (R-V) was seeking 40-50 seats to contest, the BJP decided to offer it 29. Similarly, Manjhi's HAM(S) was eyeing 15 seats but had to settle for nine fewer. However, while proceedings looked smooth at the end, the NDA had to burn a lot of midnight oil to deal with the demands of the LJP (R-V) and HAM(S).

Currently, the NDA has 131 seats in the Bihar Assembly, out of which the BJP holds 80, JD(U) 45 and HAM(S) four, besides two Independents.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan confirmed the seat-sharing plan. Along with the figures, he posted, "All workers and leaders of NDA parties warmly welcome this. Bihar is ready, Once again NDA government."

Bihar will see a high-stakes battle on November 6 and 11, with the results due to be declared on November 14.

In the 2020 elections, the NDA won 125 seats (122 needed for a majority) while the Opposition 'Mahagathbandhan' pr Grand Alliance got 110.

The Opposition bloc now has 111 seats which are distributed between the Rashtriya Janata Dal (77), Congress (19), Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation (11), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (2), and Communist Party of India (2).

Also read: JD(U) finalises list of Bihar poll candidates, may drop four sitting MLAs

'Mission for a developed Bihar'

The Bihar BJP, which also posted the plan on X, said the seat-sharing has been completed successfully and called the NDA not just an alliance but a united commitment to the development of the state.

In Hindi, it said, "Setting an example of harmony and partnership for the Bihar Assembly Elections, the seat-sharing has been successfully completed. This is not just an alliance, but a united commitment to Bihar's development. Every party, every worker — is together in the mission for a developed Bihar."

Grand Alliance likely to finalise its plan soon

The Grand Alliance is also likely to finalise its plan over the next few days and may reveal its candidates' lists along with a joint manifesto this week.

Also read: Bihar polls a popularity test for Modi-Nitish, but no alliance to have cakewalk

Reports said that talks were underway between the two major parties of the alliance – RJD and Congress – and their leaders may meet on Monday (October 13) as the two top leaders of the RJD, Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav, are in New Delhi.

"The Congress president has been speaking to all the coalition partners in Bihar, and the final discussion is on for deciding candidates in a few seats where the Congress and some other parties feel they are strong. The Congress president is talking to all political leaders for the last two days in Bihar," Congress general secretary and MP Jairam Ramesh said. He also hinted at Monday's meeting between the leaders of the Congress and RJD on Monday.

Also read: Small parties, big headaches: What’s holding up seat-sharing deals in Bihar

On the delay in seat-sharing announcement, he said, "We have to adjust some new partners in the 'Mahagathbandhan' and we have to adjust them too in seat-sharing."

"In the next two-three days, we expect all the seats to be finalised and declared," he added.

The poll-bound state's political landscape remains fluid, as shifting alliances and internal frictions continue to shape both the opposing alliances.

(With Agency inputs)