BJP Secures 17 Seats in Bihar, JD(U) 16, LJP (Ram Vilas) Five: NDA’s Distribution Strategy Unveiled
New Delhi, 18-03-2024 : The NDA announced its seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, with the BJP securing 17 constituencies, JD(U) 16, and Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) five, rejecting claims made by the LJP faction led by Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras. Additionally, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Upendra Kushwaha-led Rashtriya Lok Morcha will contest one seat each. Vinod Tawde, the BJP’s election in-charge for Bihar, made the announcement during a press conference at the BJP headquarters.
This marks a significant shift as it’s the first time the BJP has been allotted more seats than the JD(U) in Bihar, signaling changes in their relationship dynamics since their recent alliance. Tawde expressed confidence in the NDA winning all 40 seats in the state, having secured 39 seats in the 2019 elections.
Under the new arrangement, the BJP will contest 17 seats, JD(U) 16, and LJP (Ram Vilas) five. In contrast, during the 2019 elections, both the BJP and JD(U) contested 17 seats each, while the then undivided LJP contested six, with all parties winning their allotted seats.
Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) will field candidates in Vaishali, Hajipur, Samastipur, Khagaria, and Jamui Lok Sabha seats. However, there’s contention over the Hajipur seat, currently held by Pashupati Kumar Paras, who has expressed dissatisfaction with the alliance.
Bihar BJP chief Samrat Choudhary stated ongoing negotiations with Paras, hinting at the possibility of resolving the dispute. The BJP’s candidates will contest in several constituencies, including Paschim Champaran, Purvi Champaran, Aurangabad, Madhubani, Araria, Darbhanga, and Muzaffarpur.
Similarly, JD(U) will field its candidates in Valmikinagar, Sitamarhi, Jhanjharpur, Supaul, Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, and other constituencies. HAM, led by former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, will contest from the Gaya Lok Sabha seat, while RLM will contest from Karakat.
The seat allocation largely mirrors the distribution from the 2019 elections, with minor adjustments to accommodate the newly allied parties. Notably, Sheohar has been transferred from BJP to JD(U), while Nawada has been given to JD(U) from LJP. JD(U) has relinquished its claims on Karakat and Gaya to accommodate the new allies.
During the press conference, JD(U) was represented by senior leader and MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, while HAM and RLM were also represented, albeit by Delhi-based leaders. The finalized seat-sharing formula sets the stage for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, with the NDA coalition aiming for a comprehensive victory across the state.
