Bihar NDA Finalizes Seat-Sharing Deal for 2025 Polls: BJP and JD(U) to Contest 101 Seats Each
In a balanced alliance formula, Chirag Paswan’s LJP(RV) secures 29 seats, while Upendra Kushwaha’s RLSP and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM bag 6 each; Monday presser to unveil full candidate lists
Patna, October 12, 2025 – The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar has locked in its seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming 2025 Assembly elections, marking a shift toward parity between its heavyweight partners. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, will each field candidates on 101 seats, while Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJP(RV)) under Chirag Paswan gets 29. Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi will contest 6 seats apiece, completing the tally for the 243-member House.
The announcement, made public on Sunday, caps weeks of negotiations amid internal jostling, particularly from smaller allies. A joint press conference is slated for Monday in Patna, where the coalition is expected to reveal initial candidate announcements and campaign strategies. This deal underscores a new equilibrium in the NDA’s power dynamics, with BJP and JD(U) now on equal footing after years of the latter holding a slight edge.
Equal Footing for BJP and JD(U): End of the ‘Big Brother’ Era
Historically, JD(U) has dominated seat allocations within the alliance since 2005, often contesting more constituencies than BJP. In the 2020 elections, JD(U) fought on 115 seats compared to BJP’s 110, securing 43 wins against BJP’s 74. This time, the 101-101 split signals a deliberate move toward co-leadership, reflecting Nitish Kumar’s stabilizing role in the coalition post his brief flirtation with the opposition in 2022.
Smaller Allies’ Mixed Reactions: Satisfaction Tinged with Warnings
Chirag Paswan’s LJP(RV), a key player in consolidating Paswan community votes, emerged as a strong negotiator, clinching 29 seats after pushing for a larger share. Paswan, whose party won all 5 contested seats in 2020 despite a reduced allocation, hailed the outcome as a “victory for unity.”
In contrast, Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM expressed guarded acceptance of its 6-seat quota, down from an initial demand of 40. “The high command’s decision is binding, and I’m content with it,” Manjhi stated post-announcement. However, he quickly pivoted to sharper critique: “By limiting us to just six, they’ve undervalued our influence. This could rebound on the NDA’s prospects.” Undeterred, HAM has already named candidates for four seats: Deepa Manjhi (Imamganj), Jyoti Devi (Barachatti), Anil Kumar (Tekari), and Prafulla Kumar Manjhi (Sikandria). Specific allocations for RLSP remain under wraps but are expected to target Kushwaha’s strongholds in central Bihar.
Upendra Kushwaha’s RLSP, revived after a merger stint with JD(U), also settled for 6 seats, focusing on areas with Kurmi voter bases. Alliance insiders suggest the formula prioritizes winnability, with final seat lists to be disclosed Monday.
2020 Flashback: NDA’s Past Performance as Benchmark
The 2020 polls saw NDA clinch 125 seats overall, with BJP’s 74 victories driving the coalition’s edge over the Mahagathbandhan’s 110. JD(U)’s haul dropped to 43 amid anti-incumbency, but the alliance held power. This year’s equal split aims to mitigate such imbalances, though critics question if it dilutes JD(U)’s leverage in Nitish’s home turf.
As Bihar gears up for a high-stakes contest against a resurgent RJD-led opposition, the NDA’s pact emphasizes cohesion. “This is about collective strength, not individual gains,” a senior BJP leader remarked anonymously. With candidate unveilings imminent, the focus shifts to ground-level mobilization in a state where caste arithmetic often trumps ideology.
