NDA Finalizes Bihar Assembly Election Formula Mirroring Lok Sabha Strategy
Bihar Election: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nearly finalized its seat-sharing strategy for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Reports suggest that the formula used in the Lok Sabha elections will be replicated. A balance will be struck between the Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while smaller parties will also receive appropriate representation.
Lok Sabha Formula to Guide Assembly Seat Sharing
With Bihar Assembly elections due before 2025, the NDA has accelerated its preparations. Sources indicate that the seat-sharing among NDA constituents will follow the Lok Sabha election formula. This means that the seat distribution in the Assembly elections will mirror the alliance structure observed in the Lok Sabha elections, involving the BJP, JDU, LJP, HAM, and Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP).
In the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP contested 17 seats, the JDU 16, the LJP 5, and HAM and RLSP contested one seat each. This distribution is now being used as the basis for calculating the Assembly election seat allocation.
JDU May Get More Seats Than BJP
While the BJP contested one more seat than the JDU in the Lok Sabha elections, the equation may shift slightly for the Assembly elections. Sources suggest the JDU could receive 102-103 seats, while the BJP might contest 101-102 seats. This indicates a slight preference for the JDU.
The Bihar Assembly has a total of 243 seats, and the NDA will contest all of them jointly. The remaining approximately 40 seats will be allocated to smaller parties.
LJP to Play a Significant Role
The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), with its b presence of five MPs in the Lok Sabha, will receive balanced representation in the Assembly. It is expected to contest 25-28 seats, reflecting its strength and role within the alliance.
HAM and RLSP to Receive Representation
The Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM), led by former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, may receive around 6-7 seats, while Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Janta Dal (RLJD) might get 4-5 seats. This strategy aims to prevent discontent among smaller parties and maintain balance within the alliance.
