As the Bihar assembly elections draw near, both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc are intensifying efforts to finalize their seat-sharing arrangements. With the election calendar set, these alliances are racing against time to present a united front and gain a competitive edge in the upcoming polls.
Within the INDIA bloc, comprising parties like Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and other smaller parties, seat-sharing negotiations have encountered hurdles. The CPI(ML), for instance, has expressed dissatisfaction with the RJD's offer of 19 seats, demanding 30 instead. Mukesh Sahni, leader of Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), is reportedly pushing for a larger allocation and has even demanded to be declared the deputy chief ministerial face. RJD, the largest party in the bloc, is attempting to strike a balance while allocating seats to its allies, including Congress, VIP and CPI(ML). CPI(ML) has submitted a list of 40 seats to the INDIA bloc. In the 2020 Assembly elections, CPI(ML) won 12 out of 19 seats contested as part of the Mahagathbandhan.
Meanwhile, the NDA, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) [JDU], is also working to iron out the details of its seat-sharing formula. The BJP has initiated seat-sharing talks with NDA allies, excluding JDU. Negotiations with Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP(RV)] leader Chirag Paswan are proving to be challenging. Paswan is reportedly seeking 45 seats, while the BJP is offering around 25-26. The BJP aims to find a middle ground, considering LJP's performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP believes that once the deal with Chirag Paswan is done, it will be easier to convince other smaller allies.
The NDA anticipates a strong victory in the Bihar polls, campaigning on a platform of development and good governance, aiming to move past the 'Jungle Raj' era. BJP leaders have asserted that the polls are for continuing the state's development, ridding it of infiltrators, and stopping the return of 'misgovernance'. Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that the NDA government has pulled Bihar out of 'Jungle Raj' and given it a new direction of development and good governance. The NDA is focusing on welfarism, even as it braces for the opposition INDIA bloc's "caste-driven" counteroffensive.
The INDIA bloc, on the other hand, is aiming to end two decades of NDA rule, betting on youthful leadership, caste alliances, and voter mobilization. Political analysts suggest that voter turnout, youth engagement, and perceptions of governance and corruption will be key determinants in the upcoming elections.
Both alliances are gearing up with their strengths and strategies, while voters weigh past performance against promises for the future. The 2025 Bihar elections are expected to be closely contested, with the NDA relying on Nitish Kumar's experience and welfare record, and the INDIA bloc banking on youthful leadership and caste dynamics. As the campaign intensifies, the state is set for a high-stakes contest between the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.
