Bihar Polls LIVE

As Bihar heads toward the crucial Assembly elections, the focus has turned to alliance-building among the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday expressed optimism over the ongoing seat-sharing discussions, calling the talks with its allies “positive and moving in the right direction.” However, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has chosen to remain tight-lipped, fueling speculation over his next political move.

Seat-Sharing Talks Take Center Stage

With election dates expected to be announced soon, all major political parties in Bihar are working behind the scenes to finalize their strategies. Within the NDA, the BJP, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), and smaller allies like Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) are engaged in crucial discussions over how many seats each party will contest.

Senior BJP leaders have hinted that the talks are progressing smoothly and that there is “no conflict” within the NDA. A senior BJP spokesperson said, “Our discussions with allies have been constructive. The spirit of cooperation remains strong. Everyone understands the importance of unity ahead of the polls.”

Chirag Paswan’s Silence Raises Questions

While BJP and JD(U) leaders are exchanging positive statements, Chirag Paswan has maintained silence on the matter. Known for his unpredictable political strategies, Chirag’s stance has kept both his allies and opponents guessing.

Political analysts believe that Chirag’s silence could be strategic. He may be waiting for the BJP to finalize its talks with JD(U) before declaring his party’s course of action. Some reports suggest that Chirag wants a fair share of seats and clarity on campaign issues before making any public commitment.

During a recent interaction with journalists, Chirag avoided direct answers, simply stating, “I will speak at the right time.” His remark has added more curiosity among political circles in Patna and Delhi.

Alliance Equations in Bihar

The NDA alliance in Bihar has seen many twists over the years. Nitish Kumar’s return to the NDA fold in 2022 after breaking ties with the RJD-Congress alliance marked a turning point in Bihar politics. Since then, BJP and JD(U) have tried to maintain coordination, though differences over leadership and local issues occasionally surface.

The inclusion of Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM has further complicated seat-sharing talks. While all parties agree on the need to stay united to defeat the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, bargaining for constituencies remains intense.

According to insiders, the BJP is likely to contest around 160–170 seats, JD(U) around 80–90, and the remaining distributed among smaller allies. However, official confirmation is still awaited.

Opposition Watches Closely

Meanwhile, the opposition Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Tejashwi Yadav, is keeping a close watch on the NDA’s internal negotiations. Tejashwi has been criticizing the Nitish-BJP partnership, calling it “a deal of convenience, not conviction.”

Speaking at a rally in Gaya, Tejashwi said, “People of Bihar have seen enough of their games. They switch alliances like changing clothes. We will go to the people with honesty and a clear vision for Bihar’s development.”

The Congress and Left parties, which are part of the opposition alliance, have also started their campaign preparations. They plan to focus on issues like unemployment, price rise, and law and order — hoping to connect with the youth and rural voters.

Key Issues Dominating the Election

As the poll atmosphere builds, several key issues are likely to dominate the Bihar Assembly elections:

1. Employment: Bihar continues to face one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Both NDA and RJD are expected to highlight job creation in their manifestos.
2. Infrastructure and Development: Road connectivity, healthcare, and electricity remain major topics in rural Bihar.
3. Law and Order: The opposition often accuses the state government of failing to control crime.
4. Migration: The issue of migration to other states for work continues to be sensitive, especially post-pandemic.
5. Caste and Social Equations: Bihar’s politics is deeply rooted in caste identities, and alliances are often shaped by caste-based calculations.

BJP’s Strategy Going Forward

The BJP’s election strategy in Bihar is focused on projecting the “Modi-Nitish double engine” narrative — emphasizing coordination between the state and central governments for faster development. BJP leaders have started touring districts, holding small meetings, and mobilizing booth-level workers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Bihar multiple times during the campaign, while Home Minister Amit Shah and party president J.P. Nadda will hold rallies across key constituencies.

BJP leaders are also confident that welfare schemes like PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and free ration distribution under the Garib Kalyan scheme will help them connect with voters, especially in rural and lower-income areas.

Nitish Kumar’s Balancing Act

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has switched alliances several times in his political career, appears keen on maintaining a stable partnership with the BJP this time. His focus is on ensuring JD(U)’s relevance in state politics while keeping his image as a pro-development leader.

Nitish recently said, “We are all working together for Bihar’s progress. Seat-sharing will be decided amicably.” His statement was seen as a message of reassurance to both BJP and the public.

What Lies Ahead

Political experts believe that the coming weeks will be crucial. Once seat-sharing is finalized, parties will move quickly into campaign mode. Candidate selection, manifesto launches, and mass outreach events are expected to follow soon.

Chirag Paswan’s final decision could play a significant role in shaping the election narrative. If he aligns firmly with the NDA, it could strengthen the alliance’s social base among Dalit voters. However, if he chooses to contest independently, it may split votes in some regions, indirectly benefiting the opposition.

For now, the BJP’s positive tone suggests confidence in maintaining unity among allies. But as history has shown, Bihar politics often takes unexpected turns.