All eyes on seat sharing before NDA heads into crucial Bihar polls

In Bihar's complex political landscape, numbers don’t always tell the whole story. Despite the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] having fewer seats than the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in past elections, Nitish Kumar continues to hold the mantle of leadership within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state.

His continued prominence is a testament to his enduring appeal among the electorate, particularly among women, and his carefully crafted image as a leader focused on governance and social reforms.

A defining moment in Nitish Kumar's career came with his bold move to impose prohibition in Bihar — a policy known locally as sharabbandi. While controversial, the decision struck a chord with a significant section of the population, especially women, who saw it as a step toward curbing domestic violence and improving family well-being.

This policy enhanced his grassroots popularity, creating a support base that went beyond traditional political metrics.

2020 assembly elections

In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, the BJP contested 110 seats and won 74, while JD(U), despite contesting on 115 seats, managed to secure only 43.

Nonetheless, Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Chief Minister once again, a clear indication of the NDA's strategy to capitalize on his stature and mass connect rather than just seat tallies.

Now, with a new election on the horizon, the political dynamics are shifting once more. The BJP appears to be stepping into a more assertive role, with increased organizational activity and a visible push to strengthen its independent appeal.

Yet, on posters, in public messaging, and on the ground, Nitish Kumar remains the face of the alliance. His image continues to be central to the NDA's outreach, signaling that his leadership still resonates with large sections of the population.

Seat sharing between JD (U) & BJP will be crucial

As the seat-sharing talks progress, much will hinge on how the alliance partners balance electoral arithmetic with leadership optics.

While the BJP’s growing confidence might prompt it to push for a larger share of seats, any attempt to sideline Nitish Kumar could disrupt the alliance’s delicate internal balance — and potentially alienate the voter base that sees him as a symbol of continuity and stability.

In the end, the number of seats each party contests may shape the political landscape, but the question of leadership will continue to revolve around Nitish Kumar — at least for now.

His appeal, especially among key demographics, makes him a strategic asset that even a numerically stronger ally like the BJP seems unwilling to ignore.