The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has finalized its seat distribution for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, signaling a significant shift in its internal dynamics. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) will contest 101 seats each, abandoning their previous “big brother, small brother” approach and establishing a new era of parity between the two major partners.
Allocation for Smaller Allies
Minor NDA allies have also secured a fair share of seats. After intense discussions over three constituencies—Hisua (Nawada), Govindganj (Champaran), and Brahmpur (Buxar)—Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) was allocated 29 seats, just one less than initially proposed, reflecting Paswan’s growing influence within the alliance.
RLM and HAM Get Strategic Seats
Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), both single-MP parties, have been allotted six seats each, following the formula of six Assembly seats per MP. RLM’s focus will be on Dinara, Bajpatti, Ujiarpur, Mahua, Sasaram, and Madhubani, with a Rajya Sabha seat promised for Kushwaha in 2026. HAM’s seats, concentrated in Magadh and Shahabad, include Tekari, Atri, Barachatti, Sikandra, Imamganj, and Kutumba, with three reserved for Scheduled Castes.
Peaceful Alliances and Upcoming Campaigns
The NDA emphasized that the thorough seat-sharing negotiations are intended to maintain alliance harmony while maximizing electoral gains. Candidate announcements will begin on Monday, setting the stage for a fiercely contested Bihar Assembly election.