“Bihar Is Ready for NDA Again”: Chirag Paswan
Soon after the announcement, Chirag Paswan posted on X (formerly Twitter), affirming the NDA’s unity and confidence ahead of the polls. “We, the NDA family, have completed the seat-sharing for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 in a cordial environment. Bihar is ready — once again an NDA government, this time with full strength alongside #BiharFirstBihariFirst!” he wrote.
The seat-sharing formula marks a milestone for the coalition, reflecting efforts to present a united front after weeks of intense backroom negotiations. Paswan’s LJP(R) has emerged as a key player in the NDA’s strategy to consolidate Dalit and youth votes in the upcoming elections.
From Negotiations to Consensus
Reports earlier suggested that Chirag Paswan had demanded around 40 seats for his party. However, he dismissed these claims, clarifying that discussions were progressing in a “positive and transparent manner.” On October 10, he told reporters that “talks are in their final stage” and emphasized the importance of consensus on candidates and campaign coordination.
In preparation, Paswan chaired a series of strategy meetings at the LJP(R) headquarters in Patna. The sessions focused on identifying winnable constituencies, candidate shortlisting, and booth-level planning. “A meeting was called by the party’s in-charge to finalize our approach. The state parliamentary board has submitted its proposals, and we will soon finalize candidates in consultation with the NDA leadership,” he said.
Equal Stakes for BJP and JD(U)
This election will mark the first time in Bihar’s political history that the BJP and JD(U) will contest an equal number of seats—101 each. The move signals a new balance of power between the two allies, reflecting mutual trust after a phase of uncertainty. It also indicates that both parties aim to prevent vote division within their traditional strongholds.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP leaders have repeatedly stressed unity, asserting that the NDA will return to power with a clear majority. Political analysts see the 101-101 formula as a pragmatic approach to minimize intra-alliance friction.
Phase-Wise Poll Schedule Announced
According to the Election Commission of India, the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 will be conducted in two phases—on November 6 and November 11—with counting scheduled for November 14. The polls will decide the fate of 243 Assembly seats, setting the stage for one of the most high-stakes contests in the state’s recent political history.
Chirag Paswan’s Strategic Role
Within the NDA, Chirag Paswan has positioned himself as a young, assertive voice championing development and representation for marginalized communities. His “Bihar First, Bihari First” slogan has gained traction among youth and first-time voters. Party insiders believe his growing rapport with BJP leadership will strengthen the NDA’s reach in urban and semi-urban constituencies.
Opposition’s Reaction
Opposition parties, including the RJD and Congress, have criticized the NDA’s seat-sharing formula as “power-driven.” RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav claimed the deal exposed “internal insecurity” within the coalition, while Congress called it “a desperate arrangement to retain power.” Despite criticism, NDA leaders remain confident that their unified structure and welfare-focused messaging will resonate with voters.
Countdown to Campaign
With the seat-sharing issue settled, all NDA constituents are now preparing to launch coordinated campaigns across Bihar. Joint rallies featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nitish Kumar, and Chirag Paswan are expected in major districts such as Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur.
The alliance’s campaign is expected to focus on infrastructure, social welfare schemes, women’s safety, and employment—areas where the NDA hopes to contrast its record with the opposition’s promises.
As the political temperature rises, all eyes are now on how this renewed NDA coalition navigates Bihar’s complex electoral landscape.
