The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar is reportedly planning to allocate five seats to Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and Pashupati Paras' Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This decision comes amid a seat-sharing dispute between Chirag Paswan and his uncle Pashupati Paras.
The tension between the two factions intensified after both parties claimed the Hajipur Lok Sabha seat, previously held by the late Ram Vilas Paswan. The seat was allotted to Pashupati Paras after Ram Vilas Paswan's demise in 2019.
Meetings have been held in Delhi and Patna to discuss the seat distribution, with the NDA government yet to finalize the arrangements. It is anticipated that five seats will be divided between the two LJP factions, with the BJP potentially allocating one seat to Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular).
The BJP is also considering offering a seat to Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samta Party, although Kushwaha has requested two seats. Additionally, if Mukesh Sahani of the Vikassheel Insaan Party joins the BJP, he may be allocated one seat.
Final decisions regarding seat sharing in Bihar are expected to be made in the coming days, following assurances from Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Janata Dal-United (JDU) MLC Ashok Chaudhary regarding proper representation for NDA allies in the Lok Sabha polls.
Chirag Paswan, during a rally, emphasized his vision of "Bihar first, Bihari first," stating that every party and coalition desires his support.
