As Bihar gears up for assembly elections, there's an increasing buzz about seat distribution within the NDA alliance. It is believed that consensus has been reached on a formula similar to that used in previous Lok Sabha elections.
According to sources, the NDA plans to distribute tickets for the Bihar assembly elections following the same strategy as the Lok Sabha polls. During those elections, the BJP contested 17 seats, JD(U) 16, LJP 5, while Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Samata Party contested one seat each.
While the BJP contested one more seat than JD(U) in the Lok Sabha, this time, JD(U) might contest on one or two more seats compared to BJP in the assembly elections.
In Bihar, there are a total of 243 seats in the assembly. The election is expected to occur by the end of this year. Sources suggest that JD(U) could contest between 102 and 103 seats, while BJP might contest between 101 and 102 seats. The remaining approximately 40 seats are to be allocated to LJP, Hindustani Awam Morcha, and Rashtriya Lok Samata Party.
How Many Seats for LJP?
LJP stands to gain substantially in seat distribution since they have five MPs. They might receive around 25-28 seats. Meanwhile, Hindustani Awam Morcha led by Jitan Ram Manjhi could get 6-7 seats, and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samata Party might receive 4-5 seats.
This seat distribution formula within the NDA highlights an effort to maintain balance by offering representation to smaller allies along with larger parties. However, the final announcement will be made post a formal meeting of NDA leaders.
Elections of 2020: The Numbers Game
The Bihar assembly elections of 2020 witnessed a heated contest between NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. Within NDA, BJP fielded candidates on 110 seats, winning 74, while JD(U) contested 115 seats and won 43. Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) contested seven seats, winning four, and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) contested 13, winning four.
Source: aajtak
On the other hand, within the Mahagathbandhan, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) contested 144 seats, winning 75. Indian National Congress (INC) contested 70 seats and won 19. CPI (ML) Liberation contested 19 and won 12, CPI (M) contested four and won two, while the CPI contested six and secured victory on two seats.
