Bihar polls: NDA, Opposition inch closer to seat-sharing deal as smaller allies seek bigger pie

In NDA, BJP and JD(U) are likely to contest almost equal number of seats, with a total of 205 seats being divided between the two major allies.

With the announcement of poll schedule for the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, the last minute attempt to chalk out a perfect poll arithmetic among the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition bloc are underway. Constituents of both grouping are trying hard to negotiate for the bigger chunk, thereby giving themselves the best possible chance to win more seats in the upcoming polls.

Reports claim that a final seat-sharing announcement by the both blocs is delayed  as smaller allies are in no mood to yield and are trying to extract maximum leverage in the ongoing talks.

The Opposition bloc comprising RJD, Congress, VIP, and Left parties, however, claimed on Tuesday that a seat-sharing deal has been finalised and the same would be announced in a day or two. Former minister and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani claimed that the seat-sharing formula among the allies of Mahagathbandhan, a part of the INDIA bloc, has been finalised.

The number of seats to be allotted to each partner and names of bloc’s chief ministerial face as well as deputy chief minister would also be announced, he told this reporter. According to insiders, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is expected to play the role of ‘senior’ partner in the alliance while Congress is appearing to compromise with just 55-57 seats and giving up all the seats in Patna district.

In NDA, BJP and JD(U) are likely to contest almost equal number of seats, with a total of 205 seats being divided between the two major allies. The remaining seats are to be distributed among smaller NDA allies—Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM).

Multiple reports suggest that the BJP has offered 25 seats to Chirag Paswan’s LJP(RV), seven seats to HAM led by Jitan Ram Manjhi and six seats to Upendra Kushwaha’s RLM. However, negotiations with Chirag Paswan are going on and may reach a consensus by Wednesday evening.

Political observers believe that if Paswan’s share of seats increases, it may result in a reduction of seats to Kushwaha’s RLM. In the case that the smaller allies' seat share is reduced, the BJP may compensate them with offers of Rajya Sabha or Legislative Council seats.

Senior BJP leader and in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan, besides Vinod Tawde, reportedly met LJP (R) chief and Union Minister Chirag Paswan to assuage his ruffled feathers as the latter is reportedly miffed over the offer of merely 25 seats for his party to contest, while Chirag is insisting on at least 40 Assembly seats. All top leaders of NDA from Bihar are reportedly camping in New Delhi to give final touch to seat allocation.

Bihar assembly elections are to be held in two phases—first on November 6 and second on November 11. The counting of votes will take place on November 14. The election process will be concluded by November 16. The term of the present state assembly expires on November 22.

The ruling NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JDU and supported by the BJP, seeks to retain power, while the opposition Mahagathbandhan — comprising RJD, Congress, and Left parties — aims to challenge the alliance. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest all 243 seats, marking its debut in Bihar politics.