Bihar polls: NDA partners locked in fierce tussle over seat alloca
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Internal friction surfaces as BJP, JD(U), LJP and other allies haggle over contesting rights ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections
Patna, Bihar
As the countdown begins for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) finds itself embroiled in a fierce internal contest — not against the opposition, but among its own allies. The once-formidable coalition of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and other smaller allies such as the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), is currently struggling to agree on a seat-sharing formula that could make or break its electoral fortunes.
BJP and JD(U) Disagree on Seat Distribution
The seat allocation talks, which have stretched over multiple rounds of negotiation, have turned into a political tug-of-war between the BJP and JD(U). While the BJP seeks a larger share, citing its growing influence and organizational strength in Bihar, the JD(U) insists on maintaining parity, referencing its regional hold and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership appeal.
Insiders reveal that the BJP has proposed contesting around 120 to 125 seats, leaving 100 to JD(U) and distributing the remaining among minor allies. The JD(U), however, has firmly rejected this, asserting it will not settle for anything below a 1:1 ratio. “We have been an equal partner in governance and will remain so in the elections,” said a senior JD(U) strategist, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The friction is not just numerical — it’s ideological and strategic. JD(U) leaders reportedly believe the BJP is attempting to expand its influence at their expense, especially in traditional JD(U) strongholds like Nalanda, Madhubani, and Samastipur.
Smaller Allies Add Fuel to the Fire
Adding to the NDA’s headaches are the smaller allies who feel sidelined. Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) have both publicly expressed frustration over what they describe as “unfair treatment” in seat distribution.
In a recent rally in Aurangabad, Manjhi hinted at possible repercussions:
“We are loyal partners of the NDA, but loyalty should not mean invisibility. If respect is denied, we have options.”
His comments sparked fresh tension within the alliance, with BJP leaders rushing to contain the fallout. Sources within the HAM suggest the party is seeking at least 10 seats, while the NDA offer stands at 5 or fewer.
Similarly, Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas), which has been trying to revive its base among Dalit voters, is demanding no less than 30 constituencies, including some that JD(U) considers its bastion. The overlapping claims have created multiple points of friction that remain unresolved.
Late-Night Negotiations and Political Brinkmanship
Top BJP leaders, including Dharmendra Pradhan and Nityanand Rai, reportedly held marathon meetings with JD(U) leadership over the past 48 hours. According to senior officials familiar with the talks, the two sides are “close but not yet there.”
The Central Election Committee (CEC) of the BJP has been briefed about the impasse, and party president J.P. Nadda is expected to intervene personally if the stalemate continues. The NDA leadership hopes to make a joint announcement before October 20, when the Election Commission is expected to finalize the schedule.
However, JD(U) sources hint at the possibility of a unilateral declaration if talks fail. “We will not wait forever. The people of Bihar need clarity,” said a senior JD(U) spokesperson in Patna.
Analysts warn that such brinkmanship could prove disastrous. Political observer Prof. Sanjay Kumar notes,
“Seat-sharing negotiations are more than arithmetic — they define the spirit of alliance politics. Public spats only weaken voter confidence.”
Electoral Stakes: The Numbers Game
The Bihar Assembly comprises 243 seats, and the NDA’s primary challenge will come from the INDIA bloc, comprising RJD, Congress, and Left parties. In the 2020 elections, the NDA narrowly secured a majority with 125 seats, of which BJP won 74, JD(U) 43, and the rest went to smaller partners.
This time, the anti-incumbency factor, agrarian distress, and job-related grievances could tilt the balance. The NDA strategists believe that a united front and clear coordination are crucial to counter RJD’s grassroots mobilization and Tejashwi Yadav’s youth outreach campaign.
Yet, the internal tussle threatens to derail that unity. If unresolved, even minor rifts could cause vote division and localized rebellion, particularly in sensitive constituencies like Munger, Hajipur, and Nawada.
Leadership Optics and Public Perception
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who recently returned to the NDA after a brief stint with the opposition alliance, faces the most delicate balancing act of his career. Critics within both camps accuse him of political opportunism, but his image as a “veteran administrator” still holds sway among moderate voters.
The BJP, meanwhile, is focusing its campaign on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development agenda, infrastructure investments, and welfare schemes like PM Awas Yojana and Ujjwala 2.0. The challenge lies in syncing these narratives with JD(U)’s local governance pitch — without undermining either.
Opposition Watching Closely
The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), led by Tejashwi Yadav, has seized upon the NDA’s internal chaos as a political opportunity. “If they can’t agree among themselves, how can they govern Bihar?” Tejashwi quipped during a press interaction in Patna. The INDIA bloc plans to finalize its own seat-sharing deal later this week, projecting itself as a “united and alternative vision” for Bihar.
Political analysts believe that even a minor breakdown in NDA negotiations could reshape the electoral landscape. “The optics of disunity can be as damaging as the loss of a seat,” noted Patna-based journalist Kavita Prakash. “Bihar voters value stability — and if they sense uncertainty, it could swing marginal votes toward the opposition.”
The Road Ahead
With nomination deadlines looming and campaign rallies set to begin by early November, the NDA must urgently resolve its internal disputes. A failure to present a cohesive strategy could lead to multi-cornered fights in several constituencies, splitting the NDA vote share and benefiting the opposition.
As political observers await the final announcement, one thing is certain — the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 are shaping up to be as much a battle within alliances as between them. The outcome of this seat-sharing tussle may well determine whether the NDA retains Bihar or cedes ground to a resurgent opposition.
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