The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar is facing turbulence as the announcement of its candidate list for the upcoming Assembly elections is delayed. While the seat-sharing arrangement was declared with apparent consensus, underlying tensions have surfaced, causing disruptions and prompting key questions about the alliance's stability.

Chirag's Ambitions and BJP's Turf

Chirag Paswan, leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), has emerged as a significant player in the NDA's Bihar strategy. After tough negotiations, his party secured 29 seats, a figure exceeding initial expectations. This allocation, however, has reportedly come at the expense of the BJP, with some sitting BJP members allegedly conceding their seats to accommodate Paswan. This move highlights Paswan's growing influence within the alliance and fuels speculation about his long-term ambitions in the state. Some political observers suggest that Paswan aims to expand his party's base, potentially encroaching on traditional BJP strongholds.

JDU's Discontent and Loss of a Seat

The Janata Dal (United) [JDU], led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, finds itself in an unusual position in this election. For the first time since allying with the BJP in 1996, the JDU will contest an equal number of seats (101) as the BJP. This marks a shift in the power dynamic within the alliance, traditionally, the JDU has contested a higher number of seats. Moreover, the JDU's unease is amplified by reports that the BJP has claimed several "quality" seats previously held by the JDU or allocated them to other NDA allies. This perceived disadvantage has triggered resentment within the JDU, with some leaders accusing the BJP of prioritizing its own interests.

Adding to the JDU's woes, former minister Jai Kumar Singh resigned from the party after his constituency, Dinara, was allocated to Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM). Singh's departure underscores the discontent simmering within the JDU ranks and the challenges the party faces in maintaining unity amid these seat-sharing compromises.

Behind the Delay: Discord and Dissatisfaction

The NDA's initial claim of a "cordial atmosphere" during seat allocation now appears to be a facade. The delay in announcing the candidate list suggests deeper disagreements among the alliance partners. Sources indicate that the BJP and JDU are struggling to resolve disputes over specific constituencies, with both parties vying for seats with high winnability potential.

The Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and RLM have also reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with their seat allocations. While HAM secured six seats, Jitan Ram Manjhi had initially sought a more "respectable number". Upendra Kushwaha of RLM also acknowledged that the seat allotment might disappoint some party members.

Implications for the Election

The internal strife within the NDA raises questions about its cohesiveness and potential impact on the upcoming elections. While the alliance partners have publicly emphasized their unity, the underlying tensions could affect their campaign strategies and coordination on the ground. Whether the NDA can overcome these challenges and present a united front remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, the opposition INDIA bloc, led by Tejashwi Yadav's RJD, is yet to finalize its seat-sharing arrangement. Despite the delay, RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav has already started distributing party tickets, signaling the party's readiness for the electoral battle. The Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled for November 6 and 11, promise to be a high-stakes contest with the NDA's internal dynamics and the INDIA bloc's strategy playing crucial roles in determining the outcome.