The Bihar elections are still five months away, yet political activities are heating up. Parties are busy fine-tuning alliances. Recently, Union Minister Chirag Paswan visited Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at his residence on Anye Marg, signaling a significant shift, especially since Chirag had fielded candidates against Nitish's JD(U) in the previous election. There has been a noticeable thawing in their relationship recently.
Not only have personal relationships between key figures changed since the last Assembly elections, but so has the landscape of political alliances. Parties once part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are now seen challenging as part of the opposition's Grand Alliance. Other leaders attempting to form a third front have joined forces with the NDA. How has the political alliance landscape evolved from the 2020 Bihar elections to the upcoming 2025 elections? This is the focus of today's Bihar series.
Chirag's Party, Once Opposed to JD(U), Now Allied
During the last Bihar Assembly elections, Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party actively opposed Nitish Kumar's JD(U). Despite being in the NDA, Chirag fielded candidates against JD(U)-allotted seats. However, after Pashupati Paras' rebellion, the party split, and Chirag formed the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). Now, he is with the NDA and has improved relations with Nitish Kumar.
Paras, Who Opposed Chirag's Anti-JD(U) Stance, Finds a New Home
Pashupati Paras capitalized on Chirag's decision to contest against JD(U) by taking control of the party, declaring himself chairperson, and joining the NDA government as a minister. Legal battles ensued over party symbols, leading both Chirag and Paras to form new political entities. This time, Paras is expected to join forces with the Grand Alliance led by RJD.
Mukesh Sahani Aligns Differently This Time
The Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP), led by Mukesh Sahani, also reflects the shift in alliances from the 2020 Bihar elections. Initially part of a different alliance, following disputes over seat-sharing, Sahani joined the NDA, but now appears set to support the Grand Alliance led by Tejashwi Yadav for the upcoming election cycle.
In the last elections, Chirag's opposition to Nitish Kumar marked a distinct political move. Now, their relationship has softened, highlighting a political realignment.
Paras took advantage of internal rifts to advance his position. Today, he is expected to align with the opposition, indicating another shift in Bihar's political tides.
Upendra Kushwaha's Diverse Alliances
Previously partnered with Asaduddin Owaisi, Upendra Kushwaha's RSLP had allied with AIMIM, BSP, and JSP (Socialist) in the last election. Now, heading the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), Kushwaha has rejoined the NDA and serves as a Union Minister.
Manjhi Reconnected with Nitish, Now Courting BJP
Under the leadership of Jeetan Ram Manjhi, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Democratic) returned to the NDA before the last election on Nitish Kumar's invitation. For the upcoming elections, Manjhi seeks a claim to 40 seats, engaging with top BJP leaders.
