NDA Resolves Bihar Seat-Sharing: BJP and JD(U) to Contest 101 Seats Each Following Amit Shah's Intervention

New Delhi:

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has successfully resolved its seat-sharing disagreements in Bihar for the upcoming Assembly elections after several days of negotiations between coalition partners.

BJP and JD(U) will each contest 101 seats, while Chirag Paswan's LJP(R) has secured 29 constituencies. Jitan Ram Majhi's HAM will compete in six seats, down from seven in 2020, and Upendra Kushwaha's RLM has also been allocated six seats.

Alliance sources revealed that the impasse was broken during a late-night meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, where all key stakeholders were present and encouraged to demonstrate flexibility for the greater benefit of coalition unity.

Senior leaders indicated that this meeting, which concluded multiple marathon discussions held over recent days, aimed to ensure a "respectable and balanced" seat distribution for every alliance partner. The BJP was particularly eager to finalize negotiations early to gain psychological and organizational advantages before the elections.

"All partners' concerns were addressed and everyone was heard. The clear message was to adjust where necessary and maintain unity," explained a senior NDA official.

Sources mentioned that the current seat-sharing arrangement closely resembles the formula used during the previous Assembly elections. At that time, BJP contested 110 seats and JD(U) fought 115, while HAM and VIP were accommodated from their respective quotas, creating a minor difference of approximately five seats between the two main partners.

"Even then the distribution was equal, but because smaller parties received seats from BJP and JDU shares, a five-seat difference emerged," a source clarified.

NDA sources indicated that the formula would largely remain unchanged this time, with minor adjustments to accommodate smaller allies' interests. "The priority was ensuring no partner felt marginalized or unfairly treated," an insider revealed. BJP also had to explain to other coalition members its decision to meet Chirag Paswan's demands, who emerged as a formidable negotiator securing 29 seats.

The alliance has strategically considered the electoral significance of key social groups. In the previous election, 29 seats were allocated to Chirag Paswan's party to consolidate the approximately six percent Paswan vote across Bihar – a crucial element in NDA's caste arithmetic. Sources confirmed that similar caste and regional considerations continue to shape the alliance's strategy, with efforts to balance representation across communities and regions.

Dismissing opposition claims of friction within the NDA, BJP sources emphasized there was "no question of disrespecting" the JD(U). "Chief Minister Nitish Kumar remains fundamental to the alliance. He represents governance and stability. Alongside him, Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha function as force multipliers who bring essential community support," explained a BJP leader. He further noted that EBCs, Mahadalits and women constitute the largest block of NDA voters, with Nitish Kumar being central to securing their support.

The source added that previously, several of these allies had contested independently or with the opposition but failed to make significant impact. "The leadership's message was clear – only unity can deliver results. The NDA model of collective campaigning and cross-party coordination must be the template moving forward," the leader stated.

BJP leadership reportedly emphasized the importance of moving beyond recent public disagreements and focusing on joint rallies and constituency-level coordination. The strategy now shifts to a collaborative campaign plan highlighting both state and central development achievements, positioning the alliance as the only stable and credible option for Bihar's electorate.

NDA sources described the discussions with Shah as decisive, bringing all leaders to consensus after weeks of uncertainty. "Each partner left the meeting reassured about their role and importance within the coalition," one stated. "Amit Shah's central message was that internal differences should not become headlines – the focus must be on delivery, coordination and preparation."

The BJP also reminded allies that during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the party contested just one more seat than JD(U), underscoring the balance between the two principal partners. Leaders said this near parity reflected mutual respect and shared responsibility within the coalition.