Bihar's NDA Alliance Faces Rocky Road to 2025: Seat-Sharing Tensions Erupt

As the political landscape of Bihar gears up for the 2025 Assembly Elections, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) finds itself navigating a turbulent path, fraught with internal strife over the crucial issue of seat-sharing. The alliance's cohesion is currently under significant strain, with key regional leaders, notably Jitan Ram Manjhi of Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Upendra Kushwaha of Rashtriya Lok Morcha, publicly expressing their discontent and raising concerns that could challenge the BJP-JD(U)'s ambitious electoral aspirations.

Sources within the NDA indicate that preliminary discussions surrounding the distribution of constituencies have hit a substantial roadblock.

Both Manjhi and Kushwaha, leaders with considerable influence over their respective caste-based vote banks, are reportedly dissatisfied with the proposed arrangements. Their apprehension stems from a perceived undervaluation of their parties' contributions and electoral strengths, leading to demands for a more equitable share of seats that reflects their political leverage within the alliance.

Jitan Ram Manjhi, a former Chief Minister, has been vocal about his party's expectations, emphasizing the need for respectful treatment and a fair allocation that acknowledges HAM(S)'s grassroots presence.

Similarly, Upendra Kushwaha, a seasoned politician with a strong base among the Koeri community, is understood to be pushing for a greater number of winnable seats, asserting his party's role in strengthening the NDA's prospects. The frustration of these leaders is not merely about numbers; it's also about political prestige and ensuring their parties' long-term viability in the state's fiercely competitive electoral arena.

The current impasse poses a significant challenge for the BJP, the dominant partner, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U), who are tasked with maintaining a united front.

Any public display of dissent or defection from these smaller but crucial allies could severely impact the NDA's narrative of unity and its ability to effectively counter the formidable Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in the upcoming elections. The memory of past electoral upsets, often influenced by the fragmentation of alliances, weighs heavily on the minds of strategists.

Negotiators are working overtime behind the scenes to bridge the widening gaps.

The delicate balancing act involves not just satisfying the demands of disgruntled partners but also managing the aspirations of various factions within the larger parties. The outcome of these high-stakes negotiations will not only determine the strength and composition of the NDA's electoral machinery but also send a crucial signal about its collective leadership and ability to resolve internal conflicts.

The Bihar 2025 elections are still some time away, but the foundational cracks emerging over seat-sharing could either be painstakingly mended to forge a stronger alliance or widen into fissures that jeopardize the entire coalition's ambitions.