Chirag Paswan's LJP Seals Lok Sabha Seat-Sharing Accord With BJP In Bihar

The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), led by Chirag Paswan, has reached a seat-sharing agreement with the BJP within the NDA alliance in Bihar. Chirag Paswan, Member of Parliament from Jamui, announced on social media platform X that the allocation of seats will be disclosed shortly.

"As a member of the NDA, today in a meeting with BJP National President JP Nadda, we have together finalised the seat sharing in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. The same will be announced in due course," he said.

"All my concerns have been addressed by the BJP. I am satisfied," he told reporters. He said the division of Lok Sabha seats in Bihar among NDA parties has been decided and will soon be formally announced.

The determination regarding the constituencies to be contested by the LJP (RV) within the NDA was made during a meeting with BJP President JP Nadda.

While Chirag Paswan refrained from disclosing specific numbers, sources revealed to India Today that his LJP is slated to contest four seats. Nitish Kumar's JDU will be allocated 16 seats, with one seat reserved for Upendra Kushwaha. The distribution of seats for Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha remains undisclosed.

Bihar, with 40 Lok Sabha seats, witnessed the NDA securing 39 seats collectively in 2019, comprising BJP (17), JDU (16), and the undivided LJP (6).

Earlier reports indicated Chirag's discontent over seat allocation, with the INDIA alliance proposing eight seats to him. His remarks about being sought after by all sides added to speculation.

India Today reported mounting pressure from the Grand Alliance on Chirag Paswan, aiming to integrate him into the Bihar Grand Alliance. Allegedly, he was offered eight Lok Sabha seats within the Bihar Grand Alliance and two seats in Uttar Pradesh.

Disagreements between Chirag Paswan and his uncle Pashupati Paras prolonged seat-sharing negotiations within the NDA. Sources disclosed discussions about assigning six seats to both Chirag Paswan and Pashupati Paras in the NDA, but neither was agreeable to the proposal.