Bihar Election 2025 Live Updates: NDA Announces Seat-Sharing Formula (101 Seats Each for BJP & JDU)
The political landscape in Bihar is heating up as the state gears up for the crucial 2025 Assembly Elections. With the two-phase polling schedule set for November 6 and November 11, 2025, and vote counting on November 14, major alliances are finalizing their strategies in a high-stakes battle for power.
The election process is officially underway, with the last date for filing nominations for the first phase being October 17. The notification for the second phase is expected by October 20, setting the stage for an intense campaign period.
NDA Seat-Sharing Formula Finalized: A Detailed Breakdown
In a significant development on October 13, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unveiled its much-anticipated seat-sharing arrangement for the 243-seat Bihar Assembly. The formula is as follows:
-
BJP: 101 Seats
-
Janata Dal (United) – JDU: 101 Seats
-
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vikas) – LJP(RV): 29 Seats
-
Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) – HAM(S): 6 Seats
-
Rashtriya Lok Morcha – RLM: 6 Seats
While supporters within the NDA have defended this allocation as balanced and reflective of current ground realities, some smaller allies have privately expressed reservations about their share. Despite his party’s allocation of only six seats, HAM(S) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the NDA and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Opposition Mahagathbandhan’s Strategy and Challenges
The opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and left parties, is still in the process of finalizing its own seat-sharing agreement. Leaders from the bloc have reiterated their unity and common goal of displacing the NDA government, but active negotiations are ongoing to resolve which party will contest which seats. The opposition’s ability to present a cohesive and united front will be critical to its competitiveness.
Key Political Developments and Campaign Highlights
Several other notable events are shaping the electoral environment:
-
Model Code of Conduct Violation: An FIR was registered following alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct during campaigning in Raghopur, a constituency represented by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.
-
Voter List Scrutiny: The final electoral roll for Bihar lists 7.42 crore (74.2 million) electors. This follows a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) that saw nearly 69 lakh (6.9 million) names deleted. In sensitive border districts like Kishanganj, the revision process has drawn particular scrutiny, though only two deletion requests on grounds of non-citizenship were filed and both were dismissed.
-
Political Defections: The trend of party-hopping continues, with veteran politicians like Nagmani (now Nagmani Kushwaha) cited as examples of shifting loyalties, especially in regions like Magadh.
What to Watch in the Coming Weeks
As the election draws nearer, here are the key factors that will determine the political outcome:
-
Candidate Lists: The NDA is expected to announce its full list of candidates imminently. The quality and profile of candidates will be closely watched.
-
Opposition Unity: The final seat-sharing agreement of the Mahagathbandhan will be a major test of its strength and coordination.
-
Campaign Focus: With a tight two-phase schedule, targeted campaigning in key constituencies will be paramount. The narrative around development, caste dynamics, and governance will take center stage.
-
Legal and Administrative Oversight: Adherence to the Model Code of Conduct will be under constant scrutiny, with complaints and legal challenges potentially influencing the campaign atmosphere.
The Bihar Assembly Election 2025 is poised to be a closely contested battle, with both major alliances vying for the support of Bihar’s massive electorate. Stay tuned for more live updates.
