Patna/ New Delhi: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar is grappling with a severe seat-sharing impasse for the upcoming Assembly elections, raising fears of a potential pre-poll alliance collapse. The central friction point involves Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan, who has openly expressed displeasure, and the Janata Dal (United) (JDU), which is reportedly unwilling to surrender existing seats to its alliance partners.
The crisis deepened following a lengthy phone conversation between Paswan and BJP National President JP Nadda yesterday. Shortly thereafter, the Union Minister called an emergency party meeting of the LJP (Ram Vilas) for Thursday, which is currently underway at the state office, chaired by MP and Bihar in-charge Arun Bharti. Party sources indicate the meeting is convened to discuss election strategy and potentially a “major political decision.”
BJP Deploys Mediator Amid Escalation
In an apparent effort to manage the widening rift, the BJP tasked Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai with damage control. Rai visited Chirag Paswan’s residence earlier today, but was unable to meet the LJP(RV) chief, who was engaged in ministerial work.
Instead, Rai met with Paswan’s mother, Reena Paswan. Addressing the media upon his return, Rai attempted to downplay the severity of the situation, stating he had merely visited to seek blessings and insisted that “Chirag Paswan is not angry.”
Paswan’s Demands and Strategic Strongholds
The primary sticking point remains the number and identity of the contested seats. While reports suggest the BJP initially offered Paswan a package of around 20-22 seats, the LJP(RV) chief is firm on demanding a total of more than 35 seats in the Assembly. He is also reportedly pushing for a 22+4 formula, demanding 22 Assembly seats plus a commitment for a legislative council or Rajya Sabha nomination and a key cabinet ministry.
Paswan’s demands are focused on seats within districts where the LJP holds a significant support base, particularly those encompassing the five Lok Sabha constituencies of Vaishali, Hajipur, Samastipur, Khagaria, and Jamui. He has also staked a specific claim on the Govindganj seat, which is currently held by the BJP, underscoring the fierce nature of the internal negotiations.
Paswan’s refusal to engage in further discussions with BJP leaders on Wednesday, following the rejected seat offer, highlights the intensity of the standoff. Although Chirag Paswan is not attending the ongoing emergency state meeting in Patna, he is expected to participate in the party’s Central Parliamentary Board meeting in Delhi, where the final call on the alliance future is anticipated.
