Bihar Seat-Row: Nitish Kumar’s Ire Deepens As NDA Seat-Sharing Sparks Fresh Turmoil

A new crisis has emerged within Bihar’s NDA alliance as the seat-sharing formula for the upcoming assembly elections has left key leaders dissatisfied. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is reportedly unhappy over several allocations, particularly nine seats that JD(U) expected to retain but which were given elsewhere. Earlier objections from leaders such as Jitan Ram Manjhi and Upendra Kushwaha had already caused friction, and Nitish’s displeasure has intensified the alliance’s internal tensions.Under the current plan, JD(U) and BJP are slated to contest 101 seats each, while smaller allies like Chirag Paswan’s LJP and other regional players have been allotted the remaining seats. Senior leaders have been holding late-night consultations to address grievances and find a workable solution. Adjustments, such as reallocating a seat here or there between BJP, JD(U), LJP, and other partners, are being considered to calm the dissatisfied members.With first-phase nominations only a few days away, the unresolved seat dispute has raised concerns about alliance cohesion on the ground. Party strategists stress that timely resolution is critical to ensure smooth campaigning and avoid conflicts during candidate filings. The ongoing negotiations are expected to determine the final distribution of seats, with JD(U) aiming to maintain its stronghold while keeping the larger NDA alliance united.