BJP and JD(U) Reach Seat-Sharing Agreement for Bihar Lok Sabha Elections

The allocation of seats for the upcoming Bihar elections within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has been finalized, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) set to contest on 17 seats, the Janata Dal (United) (JDU) on 16 seats, and the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) on five seats. This announcement was made by BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde, reaffirming the alliance dynamics ahead of the polls.

The JD(U), led by Nitish Kumar, had re-entered the NDA fold in January, marking a significant political realignment in the state. At a recent NDA rally in Aurangabad attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kumar expressed his commitment to the alliance, asserting his intent to remain within the NDA fold indefinitely. He highlighted the enduring partnership with the BJP, emphasizing his loyalty and determination to strengthen the coalition.

The distribution of seats reflects a strategic arrangement aimed at maximizing the NDA’s electoral prospects in Bihar. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP and JD(U) had contested on 17 seats each, contributing to the alliance’s overwhelming success, securing 39 out of 40 seats in the state. However, Kumar’s brief alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in 2022 marked a temporary departure from the NDA, signaling a period of political flux.

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With polling scheduled in seven phases on April 19, 26, May 7, 13, 20, 25, and June 1, the Election Commission has set the stage for a closely watched electoral battle in Bihar. The counting of votes is slated for June 4, with political parties intensifying their campaign efforts in anticipation of the crucial contest.

Raju Tiwari, Bihar State President of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, affirming their resolve to secure victory across all 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. This assertion underscores the ambitious goals set by each constituent of the NDA as they gear up for a pivotal electoral showdown in the state.