There is speculation that this time, more opportunities may be given to women and youth candidates.
File Photo: IANS
Following the announcement of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, political activity has intensified in the state with parties — from Congress, to the BJP and the JD(U) — looking to finalise the first list of candidates in the coming days so that the election campaign can begin on time.
A series of meetings on seat-sharing were held on Tuesday by the parties. JD(U) leaders and ministers arrived at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s residence in Patna. Apart from the party supremo, senior leaders Vijay Choudhary and Sanjay Jha met colleagues to assess the ground situation. The JD(U) held detailed discussions on candidate selection and seat allocation. There is speculation that this time, more opportunities may be given to women and youth candidates.
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While the seat-sharing formula between the BJP and JD(U) is nearly finalised, managing coordination within the NDA remains a challenge. The BJP leadership is making continuous efforts to appease its allies, as LJP (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan and HAM(S) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi remain firm on their respective demands.
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Reportedly, Paswan is demanding 30 seats, while Manjhi is asking for 15.
Manjhi has warned that if offered fewer than 15 seats, his party is prepared to contest 100 seats independently.
On Tuesday, BJP Bihar in-charge Vinod Tawde, election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan, and Bihar minister Mangal Pandey met with Paswan in Delhi to resolve the deadlock.
Earlier, on Sunday, BJP leaders Dharmendra Pradhan and Vinod Tawde also met with JD(U)’s Lalan Singh, HAM (S) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi, and RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha to discuss seat-sharing.
On the other hand, seat-sharing activity is also gaining momentum within the INDIA alliance. Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani told the media that alliance partners have reached an internal agreement, and a formal announcement will be made on Wednesday evening through a press conference.
The RJD has reportedly finalised the names of 50 candidates, with final approval awaited from party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Meanwhile, the Congress Party held a closed-door strategy meeting in Patna in which Congress Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru, state president Rajesh Ram, and legislative party leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan were present. After finalising their candidate list, party leaders are expected to leave for Delhi. A meeting of the Congress Central Election Committee is scheduled in Delhi on Wednesday, where the final approval of candidates for the Bihar Assembly elections is likely to take place.
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