As Bihar gears up for the assembly elections scheduled for November 6 and 11, 2025, political maneuvering and seat-sharing negotiations are intensifying within both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc. A notable development involves Jitan Ram Manjhi, leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S) and a Union Minister, who has taken a poetic approach to express his stance on seat allocations within the NDA.

Manjhi, known for his political experience, has reportedly demanded at least 15 seats for his party in the upcoming elections, deeming it a "respectable" share. However, sources within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suggest that an offer of 10 seats has been made to HAM-S, leading to perceived pressure tactics within the alliance.

In a recent statement, Manjhi invoked the iconic poem "Rashmirathi" by the renowned Hindi poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, signaling his resolve and perhaps hinting at his party's potential role in the electoral battle. While the exact verses quoted by Manjhi and their specific context remain unclear, "Rashmirathi" is often interpreted as a narrative of courage, determination, and fighting for one's rightful place. By using this poetic analogy, Manjhi may be subtly conveying his message to the BJP regarding HAM-S's importance and its deserving share of seats in the alliance.

The BJP, leading the NDA in Bihar, is engaged in intense discussions with its alliance partners to finalize the seat-sharing arrangement. Reports indicate that the BJP and Janata Dal (United) [JDU] are likely to contest an equal number of seats, potentially around 103 each. The remaining seats would then be distributed among the smaller allies, including HAM-S, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP(RV)], and Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLM).

However, negotiations with other NDA allies are also underway. Chirag Paswan, leader of LJP (Ram Vilas), is reportedly seeking a substantial share of seats, around 45 to 54, while the BJP is purportedly willing to offer between 20 and 25. These discussions aim to accommodate the aspirations of each party while maintaining a cohesive front against the opposition.

Simultaneously, the opposition INDIA bloc, comprising parties such as Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and various Left parties, is also grappling with seat-sharing challenges. The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation [CPI(ML)], for instance, rejected an offer to contest 19 seats, demanding a more significant share, creating friction within the alliance.

As the election draws closer, the finalization of seat-sharing arrangements is crucial for both the NDA and the INDIA bloc to present a united front and maximize their chances of success. The outcome of these negotiations will not only determine the number of seats each party contests but also influence the overall dynamics of the Bihar elections in 2025.