The NDA has declared the seat-sharing arrangement for the Bihar Assembly elections. Union Minister and BJP's Bihar in-charge, Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Sunday that both BJP and JDU will field candidates in 101 constituencies, while Chirag Paswan's LJP(R) will compete in 29 seats. Jeetan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) have each been allotted 6 seats.
According to sources, the six seats given to Upendra Kushwaha include Ujiarpur, Madhubani, Sasaram, Dinara, Mahua, and Bajpatti. An official announcement is expected on Monday. Similarly, the six seats for Manjhi include Tekari, Kutumba, Atri, Imamganj, Sikandra, and Barachatti constituencies. Sources reveal that Chirag Paswan managed to secure his three preferred seats—Hisua, Govindganj, and Brahmpur—which were hotly contested.
Source: aajtak
According to PTI, as soon as the BJP's Central Election Committee meeting commenced, Dharmendra Pradhan posted that Jeetan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha will each field candidates in 6 constituencies.
After finalizing the seat-sharing formula, Pradhan commented that all NDA allies amicably concluded the seat-sharing process. He emphasized that leaders and workers across NDA parties warmly welcome this. Bihar is ready for another NDA government.
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Six Seats Secured by Manjhi
Jeetan Ram Manjhi, who initially demanded 15 seats, had declared his unwavering support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post prior to Pradhan's announcement. Post-announcement, Manjhi accepted the leadership's decision but hinted that his party may be underestimated, which might impact the NDA. Manjhi has secured 6 seats.
Chirag Settles at 29 Seats from 40
The seat-sharing announcement followed prolonged talks. NDA allies Chirag Paswan, Jeetan Ram Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha negotiated fiercely with the BJP, amid fluctuating tensions. The BJP managed to satisfy Chirag, who was firm on securing more than 40 seats. Currently, Chirag's party does not have any legislators.
Talks Continue Between RJD and Congress
In the meantime, Bihar's opposition 'Mahagathbandhan' is expected to finalize its seat-sharing imminently and may announce candidates this week. High-level sources reveal ongoing discussions between RJD and Congress, with a leadership meeting likely on Monday, as RJD leaders Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav are in New Delhi.
Final Decision Expected in Two-Three Days: Jairam
Regarding delayed seat-sharing announcements, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh remarked on incorporating new allies into 'Mahagathbandhan' and accommodating seats. He expressed hope for a final decision and announcement in the next two-three days. Currently, Congress bids for between a half and full century of seats, having contested 70 seats and won 19 in the last assembly election, while RJD contested 144 and won 75.
Position of Last Election
In 2020, JD(U) under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar contested 115 seats and BJP 110, with Manjhi’s HAM contesting 7 and Mukesh Sahni’s VIP 11, while Sahni was part of NDA. Chirag Paswan’s party contested independently due to disagreements with Nitish Kumar. The NDA won 125 seats in the fiercely contested election, and the 'grand alliance' secured 110.
Source: aajtak
JDU-BJP to Contest Equally after 20 Years
Nitish Kumar overthrew the RJD-led government’s 15-year reign in 2005 and came to power. For the first time since then, his Janata Dal (United) will not contest more seats than BJP in the assembly election while being part of NDA. However, BJP contested one more seat than JD(U) in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bihar for the first time. Note that the 243-seat Bihar assembly will have voting in two phases, on November 6 and 11, with results announced on November 14.
