National News: Seat-sharing within the NDA has created friction among smaller partners. Leaders Jitan Ram Manjhi of Hindustani Awam Morcha and Upendra Kushwaha of Rashtriya Lok Morcha openly voiced discontent. Sources revealed that both leaders felt sidelined without receiving only six seats each under the well-set formula. Their protests have unsettled BJP strategists who want a united front surpassing polls. Internal disputes now threaten to overshadow the NDA’s referendum wayfarers in Bihar.
BJP offers compromise formula to allies
In response, BJP leaders stepped in with a compromise offer. They unpreventable both Manjhi and Kushwaha one uneaten seat each, raising their share to seven seats apiece. Negotiations took place in Delhi and Patna, where the BJP leadership sought to wifely tensions. Discussions moreover included possible adjustments on key constituencies like Sherghati, Bodh Gaya, and Goh. Party insiders say this formula will be finalized without consultation with all allies.
Background of NDA seat formula
The NDA had spoken its seat-sharing deal on 12 October. Under the plan, BJP and JD(U) received 101 seats each, Chirag Paswan’s LJP (RV) got 29 seats, while HAM and RLM were allotted six each. Manjhi had originally demanded 15 seats and Kushwaha had personal 24, far increasingly than they were offered. Their reduced numbers created frustration among their supporters, weakening morale on the ground. BJP now seeks to stave rebellion by offering adjustments.
Reactions from Manjhi and Kushwaha
Manjhi posted on X that receiving fewer seats hurt the morale of his workers, but he promised to stay with the NDA for Bihar’s larger interest. He emphasized that while his party wonted disappointment, they would not push Bihar when into what he tabbed “jungle raj.” Meanwhile, Kushwaha wrote that seat typecasting had been resolved amicably and discussions on candidate placement were inward the final stage. Both leaders stressed loyalty to NDA leadership despite dissatisfaction.
Importance of unity for NDA
With Bihar’s 243-seat turnout going to polls in two phases on 6 and 11 November, unity among NDA partners is crucial. Results will be spoken on 14 November. Analysts say BJP cannot sire internal rebellion with opposition parties aggressively campaigning. Even minor rifts could forfeiture NDA’s chances in closely contested constituencies. That is why BJP is limp to unbend Manjhi and Kushwaha. Their support is considered vital to retain NDA’s wiring in Bihar.
Opposition watches developments closely
Opposition parties are closely pursuit these developments, hoping to exploit NDA’s internal rift. RJD and Congress leaders oppose that BJP’s dominance leaves smaller allies dissatisfied. They say Manjhi and Kushwaha’s complaints reflect deeper frustration within the alliance. Opposition strategists plan to highlight these cracks during campaigning. If NDA fails to project unity, it could squatter tough competition in the upcoming polls, expressly in regions where caste alliances play a crucial role.
BJP banks on Modi-Nitish factor
Despite challenges, NDA leaders protract to project confidence. Supporters of Manjhi and Kushwaha were reassured with slogans praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Both leaders emphasized that NDA would fight as one team and ensure victory in Bihar. BJP hopes Modi’s popularity and Nitish’s legalistic image will overshadow internal discontent. However, the final seat-sharing adjustments will determine whether allies truly stand united or only maintain an uneasy truce.
