Patna: As Bihar heads into assembly elections in the coming weeks, seat-sharing tensions within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have intensified. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan is pressing for a larger share, demanding 40 seats, while the BJP has so far offered no more than 25, according to sources.
The demand comes after Chirag’s party swept all five Lok Sabha seats it contested in Bihar last year. Now, the Union minister is determined to build a stronger foothold in state politics. He has sharpened his attacks on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the state’s law and order record, adding to the perception of cracks within the alliance.
Chirag, who serves as minister of food processing industries in the Narendra Modi government at the Centre, has been running campaigns such as Bihar First, Bihari First and Nav Sankalp Mahasabha to position himself as a grassroots leader. While he has not formally staked a claim to the chief minister’s post, his rhetoric suggests he is preparing to emerge as a contender in the future.
For the BJP, the standoff presents a delicate choice. Conceding to Chirag’s risks upsetting JD(U), another key ally. But sidelining him could backfire, as seen in 2020 when his party fought alone, secured 5.6% of the vote, and spoiled NDA’s chances in several constituencies.
The next few days will be crucial in deciding whether the BJP accommodates Chirag’s demands or prioritises alliance unity to avoid a repeat of past fractures.
