The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar has officially confirmed its seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for November 2023. Both Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest an equal number of 101 seats each, while the remaining 41 seats will go to smaller allied parties.
In this arrangement, the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), led by Union Minister Chirag Paswan, secured 29 constituencies. The Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), headed by Jitan Ram Manjhi, will contest six seats, along with Rashtriya Lok Morcha, also assigned six seats.
This election marks a significant change as it is the first time since 2005 that the JD(U) won’t contest more seats than the BJP. This shift highlights the BJP’s increasing influence in Bihar politics, reflecting a change in the political landscape.
Dharmendra Pradhan, the BJP’s Bihar in-charge, emphasized that all coalition partners reached an agreement in a “cordial manner.” He stated, “Bihar is ready for another NDA government,” a sentiment echoed by leaders from both the JD(U) and other alliance parties.
Despite initial discord, Jitan Ram Manjhi from HAM expressed satisfaction, affirming, “We are satisfied with what we have received… I will stay with Prime Minister Narendra Modi till my last breath.” His remarks signal unity within the NDA ahead of the elections.
During the last assembly polls in 2020, the JD(U) had contested 115 seats and BJP 110 seats, whereas the Hindustani Awam Morcha contested seven seats. The JD(U) only emerged victorious in 43 seats while the BJP won 74, which led to a brief rupture in their alliance.
The upcoming Bihar Assembly elections will take place in two phases—on November 6 and November 11. Counting of votes is scheduled for November 14, an important date for both the NDA coalition and the opposition parties.
The forthcoming assembly polls are crucial for the NDA as they strive to reaffirm their influence and governance amid shifting public sentiments. Analysts are keenly observing how these seat allocations will influence the electoral dynamics in Bihar.
