JDU may edge out BJP in Bihar seat-sharing deal; good news for Chirag Paswan

The BJP and its allies are expected to map out a seat-sharing agreement for the high-stakes Bihar assembly elections along the lines of their arrangement from the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, sources familiar with the discussions said.The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar comprises the BJP, Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United), Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awami Morcha (HAM), and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM).advertisementIn the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP contested 17 seats, JD(U) 16, LJP(RV) 5, and HAM and RLM one each. While the BJP had a slight edge in the parliamentary polls, sources said the JD(U) is expected to contest one or two more seats than the BJP this time around.
According to sources, out of the 243 assembly seats, the JD(U) could contest 102-103 seats, and the BJP 101-102. The remaining 40 seats will be distributed among Chirag Paswan's LJP, HAM, and RLM.Given its five-member representation in Parliament, the LJP is expected to get the lion's share among the smaller allies and may contest 25 to 28 assembly seats. HAM is likely to receive 6 to 7 seats, while RLM may be allotted 4 to 5 seats, sources said.The seat distribution is being shaped by internal BJP surveys conducted earlier this year across all Bihar assembly constituencies to gauge the political sentiment. These findings will form the basis not only for seat allocation but also for the selection of candidates, with the goal of fielding the strongest contender in each constituency, insiders previously told India Today.They also said that these survey results are also expected to influence decisions on the allocation of Cabinet berths should the NDA secure a victory in the Bihar assembly polls, which are likely to be held in October-November.Buoyed by its winning streak in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi, the BJP is aiming to replicate its poll performance in Bihar. Party strategists are also considering announcing candidates ahead of the announcement of election dates—a strategy used effectively in several past state polls.Must Watch

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