NDA's Seat-Sharing Talks in Bihar: Chirag Paswan Asserts Unity

Patna: Amid ongoing speculations about seat-sharing within the ruling NDA coalition ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Union Minister Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has announced an emergency meeting to finalize its strategy. Despite the move, Chirag has asserted that "there are no differences within the NDA regarding the matter." Speaking to reporters in Khagaria on Wednesday, he stated, "The rumors based on so-called sources are entirely false and unfounded. I hold no grievances against anyone. The seat-sharing arrangements within the NDA will be resolved soon." However, the party has scheduled an urgent meeting with its leaders in Patna on Thursday to deliberate on electoral matters and outline its strategy.

The Assembly elections are scheduled in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the vote count set for November 14.

Reports suggesting a potential alliance with Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj have been dismissed by leaders of both parties. Kishor himself refuted any such arrangements, stating, "This isn't merely a battle over seats; it's a fight against the exploitation of Bihar. Each party attempts to secure more seats to leverage power for selfish gains. We have no alliances with any political faction. Our allegiance lies with the people," he asserted on Wednesday, putting to rest any rumors of alliance between Jan Suraaj and the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas).

Despite visible strains regarding seat allocation among NDA partners in Bihar, the BJP, after an extensive meeting with its leaders, has maintained that all is well within the coalition. Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi has voiced a humble appeal rather than a claim, urging that his party be granted a fair number of seats, cautioning that HAM might refrain from contesting should their request be overlooked.

"It would be a disgrace to myself and my party if we aren't accorded at least 15 seats during the polls. With such a number, we could easily secure 8-9 wins and achieve recognized status," Manjhi told reporters, highlighting the party's decade-long quest for recognition.

Manjhi clarified, "I've long supported the NDA. I'm merely appealing—not demanding—the NDA's consideration. Should we not receive a dignified number of seats, my party may opt out of the election. Nevertheless, even without participating, we will continue our support for NDA partners," he reassured.

Meanwhile, senior BJP figures, including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and national general secretary Vinod Tawde, convened in Patna on Wednesday to deliberate over seat-sharing and finalize candidate lists. Post-meeting, BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal assured, "The NDA is unified. A conclusive decision regarding seat allocations and candidates will be determined at the party’s parliamentary board meeting." According to NDA sources, it is likely that JD(U) and the BJP will contest 102 and 101 seats, respectively.

While Chirag initially agreed on approximately 20-22 seats for his party, there are now calls for at least 25 additional seats. Senior leaders believe the party deserves at least 45 seats, as one leader confided under anonymity.

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