With the current term of Bihar Assembly expiring on 22nd of November 2025, the elections for next assembly need to be concluded before that. The date of Bihar Legislative Assembly election is scheduled for 6th and 11th November. With 243 total seats, majority will be marked at 122 seats, all parties and alliances looking for the same. While it has become the center of attention and national interest in recent days, some outcomes are already interesting to look at before the commencement of final elections.
Seat-Sharing formula of NDA-
NDA (National Democratic Alliance) is one of India’s major political coalitions, led mainly by BJP (Bhartiya Janta Party). With a goal to provide a stable and non-Congress alternative it was formed in year 1998 when several other coalition governments were falling in the country. With a coalition of around 13 parties from all over the country, BJP remained the primary party alongside JDU (Janta Dal United) in Bihar. And recently NDA announced its seat allocation.
- BJP and JD(U) will be contesting 101 seats each, playing on the equal foot.
- Lok Janashakti Party (Ram Vilas) will be getting 29 seats, while RLM (Rashtriya Lok Morcha) and HAM (Hindustani Awam Morcha) are allotted 6 seats each.
Why these allocations become interesting to watch?
- It’s the first time that BJP and JD(U) will be contesting equal number of seats since their alliance in 1996.
- It can be seen as a power shift: BJP strengthening its grip and making further presence in Bihar.
- Internal tensions reflect from the figures of seat allocation, which might result in dissatisfaction of coalition partners.
Seat sharing of Mahagathbandhan-
The Mahagathbandhan initially was a grand alliance of Congress party, RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) and JD(U) (Janata Dal United) formed in 2015 to defeat BJP. However, a split was caused due to internal conflicts when Nitish Kumar (JD(U)) left the coalition and rejoined the NDA.
- While the Mahagathbandhan has not publicly declared its seat allocation yet, reports suggest that RJD and Congress are aiming to finalize details this week, having discussions in Delhi.
- Experts speculate that Congress might be getting less seats this time, because of their weak performances in recent years.
What are other controversies going on between the parties?
- Reports say thatLok Janashakti Party (Raam Vilas) (LJP) has demanded 40 seats, but BJP is offering only 29 seats at current. If it is proven to be true, it might cause further tensions and LJP looking for alternate alliance.
- RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) accused the BJP of trying to marginalize JD(U) within the NDA and that with the current seat allocation, BJP is looking forward to eliminate the impact and role of JDU.
- Jitan Ram Manjhi, leader of HAM (Hindustani Awam Morcha) has raised voice about being undervalued and being suppressed in the alliance, getting only 6 seats to contest.
With so many parties involved and trying to win the majority, the signals of tensions in coalition are not something unexpected.
Why Election commission got backlash and what reforms it has made?
Election commission also being the central point of controversy in Bihar Assembly Elections, had to face severe allegations and criticism for alleged favoritism. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar rolled out several reforms and innovations for smooth elections, grabbing the headlines in national media.
- ECI has declared about introducing a mobile deposit facility at polling booths due to which people will have to wait for less time.
- SIR (Special Intensive Revision) ahead of elections was a process to reverify the voter list. The process was accused of being unfair and removing the names of targeted 23 women from voter list. The case further went to the Supreme Court.
- As per order ECI was directed to disclose lists of names which were deleted from draft rolls.
What are the current Campaigns and Demands?
- A Dalit organization in Bihar on last Wednesday, placed a 20-point set of demands. The community constituting 19% of total poll-bound has asked to emphasize on equal rights, education and social justice.
- Patna District administration has launched “Mission 60” – initiative to target 60 polling stations to have at least 66% voter turnout.
- AIMIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen) led by Asaduddin Owaisi has released its first list of candidates for 32 seats.
The majority of manifesto are going to be around – caste justice, employment promises and rural welfare. Battle between promise of governance by NDA and Mahagathbandhan call for social justice and reforms is going to be the base of Bihar Election campaign. Apart from Party Alliances, seat allocations and election campaigns, the voice of people matters the most. Most of the people have hopes of better jobs, education and safety from the next ruling party. The result of election will shape the future of people residing in Bihar as well as reshaping the state-politics for future.
