BJP-JDU in Bihar have adopted a new seat-sharing strategy for the 2025 elections. Seats for Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha will be finalized first, followed by division between BJP-JDU.
New Strategy Amid Seat-Sharing Deadlock
Sources say the BJP‑JDU combine faced repeated stalemates in seat allocation talks with its smaller allies. In response, the two dominant parties decided to tackle the most contentious allocations first — those of LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM(S), and RLM — and only then settle the distribution of leftover seats between BJP and JDU.
The move reflects the challenges in accommodating the strong demands of these regional partners: the three leaders have claimed a combined 75 seats, placing added pressure on the allocation process. BJP strategists such as Dharmendra Pradhan, Vinod Tawde, Nityanand Rai, Mangal Pandey, and Samrat Chaudhary are reportedly leading the efforts to bring them to consensus.
JDU’s Bargaining Position
The JDU has insisted that the BJP first resolve matters relating to its coalition partners before the two major allies divide seats among themselves. According to insiders, both parties have informally agreed to split the remaining seats half‑and‑half. However, the JDU is keen to contest at least one more seat than the BJP, making the final balance critical in the overall equation.
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Demands of the Smaller Allies
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Chirag Paswan (LJP‑RV) is demanding up to 40 seats
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Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM is seeking 15 seats
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Upendra Kushwaha’s RLM is demanding 20 seats
So far, the BJP has resisted reducing its own share to satisfy these demands fully. If all three allies succeed in their demands, only 168 seats would remain — a number too small to accommodate BJP and JDU’s respective targets of contesting 101–103 seats each.
Timeline & Decision-Making
Seat-sharing talks are reportedly entering a decisive phase. A final settlement is expected over the next two to three days. The Bihar BJP has already forwarded a panel of candidates for 115 seats to the national leadership. The final list is expected to be ratified on October 11 or 12, following campaign meetings and strategic consultations.