The Alliance Equation Takes Shape
The Bihar Assembly Election 2025 just got a clearer outline, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) sealing its seat-sharing formula on October 12, 2025. In a balanced split, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) each secure 101 seats in the 243-member house, while Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJP(RV)) bags 29, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) get 6 each. This pact, announced amid intense campaigning, sets the stage for a fiercely contested poll, with the first phase on November 6 covering 70 seats across 18 districts.
Table of Contents
- NDA’s Seat Formula Unveiled
- AIMIM’s Bold Entry
- Polling Phases and Voter Insights
- Campaign Buzz and Key Battles
- What It Means for Bihar
- FAQs
- The Road to November 23
NDA’s Seat Formula Unveiled
The NDA’s agreement, finalized after weeks of negotiations, gives BJP and JD(U) equal heft at 101 seats apiece, reflecting their core strength in the 2019 coalition. LJP(RV), led by Chirag Paswan, emerges stronger with 29 seats—up from 5 in 2020—targeting its Paswan voter base. RLM and HAM, smaller allies, split 6 each, ensuring coalition unity. This formula, announced by Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, aims to consolidate the NDA’s 125-seat tally from 2020, countering the Mahagathbandhan’s (RJD-Congress-Left) 110 seats.
Table: NDA Seat Allocation (2025)
| Party | Seats | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| BJP | 101 | Urban and OBC Belts |
| JD(U) | 101 | Rural and EBC Strongholds |
| LJP(RV) | 29 | Paswan-Dominated Pockets |
| RLM | 6 | Weaker Rural Seats |
| HAM | 6 | Minority and EBC Areas |
AIMIM’s Bold Entry
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), under Akhtarul Iman, shook the field by releasing its first list of 32 candidates on October 12, covering 16 districts and signaling plans to contest 100 of 243 seats. Targeting Muslim-majority pockets like Kishanganj and Araria, AIMIM aims to split the opposition vote, potentially benefiting NDA. Iman’s list includes fresh faces and party loyalists, focusing on issues like education and jobs.
Example: In Seemanchal, AIMIM’s push could erode RJD’s traditional hold, echoing its 2020 gains of 5 seats.
Polling Phases and Voter Insights
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has scheduled a three-phase poll: November 6 (70 seats, 18 districts), November 11 (94 seats, 20 districts), and November 20 (79 seats, 15 districts), with counting on November 23. Over 7.4 crore voters, including 3.9 crore women, will decide the 243-seat house. The SIR roll revision ends September 30, with ECI mandating officer transfers by October 6 to ensure impartiality.
Example: Phase 1 covers Seemanchal and North Bihar, hotspots for minority and EBC votes.
Campaign Buzz and Key Battles
The seat pact fuels NDA’s momentum, with Nitish Kumar eyeing a sixth term amid health rumors, while Tejashwi Yadav positions as a youth leader. BJP’s focus on development contrasts RJD’s caste census pitch. Key contests: Patna Sahib (BJP vs RJD) and Muzaffarpur (JD(U) vs AIMIM).
What It Means for Bihar
The NDA’s equal split strengthens coalition dynamics, potentially securing 130+ seats. AIMIM’s entry fragments opposition votes, tilting scales toward NDA. With 7.4 crore voters, women’s turnout (up 5% since 2020) could sway outcomes in rural belts.
FAQs
- NDA seat split? BJP and JD(U) 101 each, LJP(RV) 29, RLM/HAM 6 each.
- AIMIM’s plan? Contest 100 seats, first list of 32 announced.
- Phase 1 date? November 6, covering 70 seats.
- Counting day? November 23, 2025.
- Voter total? 7.4 crore, including 3.9 crore women.
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