The Bihar Assembly elections are anticipated to be announced in the final week of September or the first week of October. Following the announcement, the allocation of seats among the constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will be declared. A formula for seat distribution within the NDA has been established, and an agreement has been reached among the constituent parties. A meeting of senior leaders will be held for the final decision.
Seat distribution will largely follow the pattern of the previous assembly elections, although adjustments will be necessary for Chirag Paswan. Sources suggest that he is seeking forty-plus seats. BJP sources believe that Paswan’s demand for more seats is a political necessity to maintain the morale of his supporters. According to sources, Chirag Paswan is essential for the alliance, and his sentiments will be considered in the seat allocation. However, the JDU is not inclined to offer Paswan more than 20 seats.
Nitish Kumar has previously had a complex relationship with both Ram Vilas Paswan and Chirag Paswan. Consequently, Chirag might face consequences in the seat allocation process. Meanwhile, the BJP and JDU have agreed to contest on more than 100 seats each, but the JDU will contest on slightly more seats than the BJP to project itself as the senior partner in Bihar. Some seats will also be allocated to Jitan Ram Manjhi and Upendra Kushwaha.
It is anticipated that the elections will be conducted in two to three phases. Nitish Kumar will lead the elections. He will decide the future course after winning the election. Concerns exist regarding Nitish Kumar’s health, but he will make the decisions on this matter. The Bihar Assembly elections may take place in two to three phases. The election dates will be determined considering Diwali and Chhath Puja. The term of the Bihar Assembly concludes on November 22, 2025, necessitating the completion of the election process before that date.
Diwali falls on October 20 this year, while Chhath Puja will be celebrated between October 25-28. In 2020, the elections were held in three phases, and in 2015, they were conducted in five phases. In 2020, the first phase saw voting on 71 assembly seats on October 28, 2020. The second phase had voting on 94 assembly seats on November 3, 2020. The third and final phase involved voting on 78 assembly seats on November 7, 2020. The counting of votes took place on November 10, 2020.