NDA finalises seat-sharing for Bihar polls: BJP to contest 160, JD(U) 74, allies 9 amid alliance tensions

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on 10 October 2025 finalised its seat-sharing formula for the Bihar assembly elections, allotting 160 seats to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), 74 to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), and the remaining 9 to allies, marking a strategic consolidation amid opposition disarray. 

The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan confirmed "all is well," securing five seats for his faction, while Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) under Jitan Ram Manjhi settled for 4. 

Talks with Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Jan Shakti Party hit snags, but NDA sources expect resolution by nomination deadlines on 17 October. 

This display of unity, following the ElectionCommission of India's 6 October schedule announcement for two-phase voting on 6 and 11 November, positions the ruling coalition to counter the Mahagathbandhan and Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj in a high-stakes battle for Bihar's 243 seats.

Finalisation of seat allocation

The formula emerged after marathon talks in Patna and Delhi, with BJP president JP Nadda and home minister Amit Shah overseeing negotiations. 

BJP's lion's share reflects its organisational strength, targeting 100+ seats in upper castes and non-Yadav OBCs, while JD(U)'s 74 focus on EBCs and Mahadalits. 

Paswan's LJP(RV) gets Jamui, Hajipur, Sitamarhi, Khagaria and Samastipur, leveraging Paswan's vote consolidation. 

Manjhi's HAM(S) secures Imamganj, Jehanabad and two others, rewarding loyalty despite earlier demands for 10 seats. 

Kushwaha's RLJD, eyeing five seats, remains a holdout, with sources citing "adjustment issues" in Kushwaha-dominated areas like Vaishali. 

NDA spokesperson MLC Sanjeev Chaurasia confirmed: "The pact ensures winnability; final tweaks by 15 October." 

On X, Paswan tweeted "All is well," quashing rumours of a split. 

Tensions during negotiations

Talks hit snags over ally demands: Paswan initially sought seven seats, Manjhi 10, and Kushwaha 5, prompting Nitish's intervention. 

The BJP yielded minimally, prioritising JD(U) to shield Nitish from anti-incumbency. 

A late-night huddle on 9 October resolved LJP(RV)'s quota, but RLJD's Kushwaha hinted at "independent run" if unresolved. 

Insiders revealed Shah's "take it or leave it" stance, leveraging the BJP's 2020 tally of 74 seats. 

On X, users mocked the haggling: "NDA seat soup—BJP ladles, allies sip." 

Nitish, facing his 10th poll, downplayed rifts: "Unity is NDA's strength." 

Opposition's contrasting disarray

The Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Congress-Left) eyes 144 seats, with RJD claiming 107, but Congress's demand for 50 sparked delays. 

RJD's Tejashwi Yadav prioritises Yadav-Muslim consolidation, projecting 70+ seats. 

Jan Suraaj's Prashant Kishor, unveiling 51 candidates on 9 October, disrupts both, targeting 40 seats with "surprises" like ex-IAS officers. 

AIMIM's Owaisi, snubbed by the INDIA bloc, launches Seemanchal Nyay Yatra for 20 seats. 

Polls favour NDA: C-Voter's 2 October survey gives 131-150 seats, with Nitish leading CM race at 27%. 

On X, one post quipped: "NDA shares seats, opposition shares headaches." 

Campaign strategies and key battlegrounds

NDA's pact enables focused campaigns: BJP on development, JD(U) on Sushasan, allies on caste arithmetic. 

Hot seats include Patliputra (RJD's Misa Bharti vs BJP), where SIR deletions favour NDA. 

Phase One (121 seats, 6 November) covers central Bihar, and Phase Two (122 seats, 11 November) covers the border districts. 

EC's 10 October gazette notification triggers nominations from 17 October. 

NDA eyes 200+ seats, banking on Modi's 2 October women's scheme launch. 

Implications for Bihar's political landscape

The deal fortifies NDA against fragmentation, contrasting Mahagathbandhan's delays. 

With 7.5 crore voters, turnout could hit 65%, boosted by migrant returns for Chhath. 

Jan Suraaj's entry may split anti-NDA votes, favouring incumbents. 

As nominations loom, NDA's unity signals a fierce contest, with Bihar's future hinging on alliance arithmetic.