Vagabond News — Patna
NDA Rift in Bihar: Kushwaha’s Revolt Over Seat-Sharing Shakes Alliance
🔍 What’s Going On
As Bihar gears up for assembly elections (November 6 & 11, 2025), tensions have erupted within the ruling NDA alliance over the seat-sharing deal. Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) leader Upendra Kushwaha is visibly unhappy with the allotment of only six seats for his party—a share he and his supporters believe is unfair given their expectations and past role. (The New Indian Express)
Other NDA partners, such as Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), are also sulking over the same allocation, claiming their party has been underestimated. (The New Indian Express)
📊 Seat-Sharing Details at a Glance
| Party | Seats Allocated |
|---|---|
| BJP | 101 (The New Indian Express) |
| JD(U) | 101 (The New Indian Express) |
| Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) | 29 (The New Indian Express) |
| HAM (Jitan Ram Manjhi) | 6 (The New Indian Express) |
| RLM (Upendra Kushwaha) | 6 (The New Indian Express) |
🗣️ Voices and Reactions
- Upendra Kushwaha: In a message to party workers on social media, he apologized for the disappointment, acknowledged the hurt among aspirants expecting tickets, and urged calm. “Time will tell whether the decision was right or wrong.” (The New Indian Express)
- Jitan Ram Manjhi: He said that his party has been “underestimated” and warned that such undervaluation could cost the NDA. (Deccan Herald)
- BJP & JD(U): While the larger allies have said the talks and deal are final, these small partner grievances are seen as signs of discontent beneath the façade of alliance unity. (The New Indian Express)
⚠️ Why This Matters
- Alliance stability: Disaffection among smaller partners may undermine NDA’s cohesiveness in Bihar, potentially weakening campaign synchrony and electoral performance.
- Voter perception: The optics of every party getting equal seats (BJP & JD(U) both 101) with smaller players getting few may be seen as sidelining local leaders and regional ambitions. (The New Indian Express)
- Potential friction points: If aspirants from HAM or RLM feel they have been unfairly treated, internal rebellions or lack of effort on the ground could hurt NDA’s prospects in those particular constituencies.
📅 What to Keep an Eye On
- Will Kushwaha or HAM formally push for renegotiation or threaten exit?
- The list of constituencies and candidates scheduled to be released any day now—how many of them go to the smaller allies will be closely watched. (The New Indian Express)
- Whether BJP or JD(U) will offer compensatory support or concessions to pacify disgruntled partners.
