Bihar Polls: NDA Announces Candidates On 227 Seats, Mahagathbandhan Talks Continue

The NDA has officially announced candidates for 227 seats in Bihar’s assembly elections, with BJP and JDU fielding 101 candidates each. Upendra Kushwaha’s RLSP has declared candidates on four out of six allocated seats, while Janata Dal (United) has completed its list for all 101 seats. Chirag Paswan’s LJP has released names for 14 of its 19 allotted seats, with the remaining candidates expected soon. Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan has not yet finalized its seat-sharing arrangement, although parties that have reached partial agreements are distributing symbols to their respective candidates. Congress has assigned symbols on around 20 seats, CPML on 18, CPI on six, and Mukesh Sahani’s faction is yet to release any candidates, reportedly demanding 30 seats and a Deputy CM post if the alliance comes to power. Political observers note that Tejashwi Yadav is working to consolidate the alliance and maintain its bargaining power across 15–17 seats. The third front appears weaker compared to the last election, with fewer chances of significant impact. The ongoing negotiations within Mahagathbandhan and NDA’s full slate highlight the intense preparations and strategic maneuvering ahead of the Bihar polls.