NDA's Preparations Complete for Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. Seat Sharing Finalized Between JDU and BJP. Smaller Allies Also to Get Representation. Alliance to Contest Elections Under Nitish Kumar's Leadership. Opposition Grand Alliance Also Active.
Bihar Election: Preparations for the Bihar Assembly elections in 2025 have gained momentum. In the meantime, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nearly finalized the seat-sharing formula among its constituent parties. According to sources, the Janata Dal United (JDU) will play the role of the elder brother in the alliance, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and smaller allied parties will also be allocated seats. Through this plan, the NDA aims to send a b message under the leadership of Nitish Kumar.
Seat Sharing Formula Almost Finalized
According to sources, out of Bihar's total 243 assembly seats, the JDU may contest on 102-103 seats, while the BJP might enter the electoral fray on approximately 100-102 seats. Seats have also been reserved for smaller parties to ensure that all allied parties are valued. However, the final announcement will be made only after the Election Commission declares the dates for the assembly elections. It is expected that the Election Commission might make an announcement in this regard by the end of September or the first week of October.
JDU in the Role of Elder Brother
The NDA's strategy includes assigning the JDU the role of the elder brother within the alliance. The objective is to present a b and focused image of the alliance under Nitish Kumar's leadership. According to sources, this time, sufficient seats will be allocated not only to the JDU and BJP but also to smaller parties. This strategy is crucial for maintaining balance within the alliance and better presenting its electoral strength.
Smaller Parties Will Be Considered
The Lok Janshakti Party (Chirag Paswan) has demanded more than 40 seats, but the JDU is not in favor of giving them more than 20 seats. Nevertheless, considering their importance in the alliance, their sentiments will be taken into account. It is estimated that the LJP might receive around 25-28 seats this time. Additionally, Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) is likely to get 6-7 seats, and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) is expected to get 4-5 seats.
Chirag Paswan's Political Landscape
In the 2020 assembly elections, Chirag Paswan contested separately from the NDA on approximately 134 seats, but his party could only secure victory in one seat. His strategy in that election had caused a loss to the JDU on about 30 seats. This time, Chirag Paswan is part of the NDA, and the b performance of his party's five MPs in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has strengthened his position.
Nitish Kumar's Leadership Ensured
The NDA has made it clear that the Bihar Assembly elections will be contested under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. Sources indicate that if the alliance wins the elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will decide the future strategy. Although some concerns have been raised regarding Nitish Kumar's health, the final decision will be his. All members of the alliance are unanimous that Nitish Kumar's leadership will provide strength to the NDA in the elections.
Grand Alliance's Preparations Also Underway
On the other hand, the Grand Alliance, which includes the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties, has also intensified its preparations. Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' has launched a public awareness campaign against alleged irregularities in voter lists and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The objective of this campaign is to educate voters and ensure active participation in the assembly elections.
