Patna: Discontent has surfaced within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar even after the finalisation of its seat-sharing arrangement. Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief and Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha remains visibly upset, casting doubts on unity within the alliance ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Late on Tuesday night, senior BJP leaders including Union Minister Nityanand Rai, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, and BJP National Secretary Rituraj Sinha visited Kushwaha’s residence in Patna in a bid to calm tensions. However, sources said Kushwaha declined to be placated.
Earlier today, Kushwaha was scheduled to hold a meeting with party leaders and workers at his office, but Nityanand Rai arrived unexpectedly and accompanied him to Delhi. “We have to discuss this with top NDA leaders. Some issues remained unresolved. We are going to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah today regarding this,” Kushwaha told reporters before departing.
The Rashtriya Lok Morcha leader’s remark that “nothing is well in the NDA” has sparked unease among alliance partners. Following his comments, senior BJP officials reportedly reached out to Kushwaha, urging him to convey his concerns directly to the party leadership in Delhi.
According to sources, Kushwaha’s discontent stems from the allocation of the Mahua constituency seat to the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). He has expressed dissatisfaction over the decision, arguing that his party was sidelined in the distribution process.
While the seat-sharing formula in the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) remains uncertain, the NDA in Bihar appears to be grappling with internal strains despite finalising its arrangement. As Kushwaha prepares to meet Amit Shah, attention will turn to whether the BJP leadership can soothe tensions within its Bihar alliance before the campaign gains momentum.
