The political temperature in Bihar is soaring as the state gears up for the 2025 Assembly Elections, to be held in two phases — November 6 and 11, with counting on November 14. As alliances finalize seat-sharing deals, caste equations reawaken, and new political entrants test the waters, Bihar is once again proving why it’s the heart of India’s political theatre.
NDA Seat-Sharing Finalized: Power Equation Locked at 101–101
After weeks of negotiation, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has announced its official seat-sharing formula — and it’s a picture of careful balance.
- BJP: 101 seats
- JD(U): 101 seats
- LJP (Ram Vilas): 29 seats
- HAM (Jitan Ram Manjhi): 6 seats
- RLM (Upendra Kushwaha): 6 seats
This equal split between the BJP and JD(U) signals a new understanding between the two former rivals. Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has emerged as a key player, rewarded with 29 constituencies — a clear indication of his growing importance in the NDA’s caste and youth outreach strategy.
Meanwhile, smaller allies like Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM and Upendra Kushwaha’s RLM have been allotted symbolic yet strategic roles, representing the Mahadalit and Koeri-Kushwaha voter bases, respectively.
Political analysts say this parity in seat distribution is meant to ensure that neither the BJP nor the JD(U) dominates the alliance, minimizing the risk of post-election friction.
INDIA Bloc Still Negotiating: Lalu and Congress Struggle for Balance
The INDIA alliance — led by RJD, Congress, and the Left parties — is yet to finalize its seat-sharing arrangement.
Sources within the bloc suggest that the RJD may contest around 138 seats, while the Congress demands at least 55–60 seats. The Left parties (CPI, CPI(ML), CPI(M)) are eyeing about 35 seats, while Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has placed a request for 12 seats, giving the alliance until October 14–15 to reach a decision.
The delay in seat finalization could dent INDIA’s campaign momentum, as NDA has already begun fieldwork and candidate selection.
Third Front and the New Players: Bihar’s Political Map Gets Crowded
1. AIMIM’s Aggressive Push
Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM has declared its intention to contest around 100 seats, releasing its first list of 32 candidates. The party is eyeing a stronghold in the Seemanchal region, where Muslim votes can heavily influence outcomes.
2. Prashant Kishor’s ‘Jan Suraaj’ Movement
Election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor (PK) is making a high-voltage entry through his Jan Suraaj Party.
PK has announced his intent to contest from Raghopur, the home turf of Tejashwi Yadav, signaling a dramatic face-off between strategy and legacy. His entry is likely to attract urban and youth voters disenchanted with both major alliances.
3. Tej Pratap Yadav’s New Party – Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD)
In a surprise twist, Lalu’s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav announced his new political outfit — the Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD) — and plans to field candidates in select constituencies, including his own seat in Mahua.
His move has introduced fresh complications for the RJD, as the family’s internal rift threatens to split votes within their traditional base.
Three fronts — NDA, INDIA, and the emerging independent forces like AIMIM, PK’s Jan Suraaj, and JJD — have made Bihar’s 2025 contest the most unpredictable in a decade.
