NEW DELHI: Since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) announced its seat-sharing for the upcoming Bihar elections, the regional party alliances seem to be sending mixed signals. While Lok Janshakti Party’s (LJP) Chirag Paswan and Rashtriya Lok Morcha’s Upendra Kushwaha said all is well, hinting at a smooth alliance, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) Jitan Ram Manjhi’s latest post raised a few eyebrows again, after he said that the seat-sharing had “weakened” the morale of the workers.The mood swings began over NDA’s seat-sharing arrangement which gave LJP(RV) 29 seats, HAM and RLM on six seats each. Meanwhile, BJP JD(U) got an equal share of 101 seats each.However, leaders of Bihar’s ruling NDA said that seat-sharing arrangements within the coalition have been amicably resolved, with discussions on which party will contest specific seats now entering the final stages.
‘Deep dissatisfaction among workers’
HAM chief Manjhi has not shied away from expressing his dissatisfaction repeatedly, with recently saying that the seat-sharing had “weakened” the morale of the workers and left them with “deep dissatisfaction.””It is true that we have secured fewer seats, the morale of our workers is weakened, and there is deep dissatisfaction among the workers, which I can only assure them will be compensated for in the future,” he said in a post on X on Tuesday.However, he expressed confidence in NDA’s victory in Bihar saying: But this does not mean that we should push Bihar towards lawlessness. It does not mean that we should rob the people of Bihar of their peaceful nights and their daytime tranquillity. For Bihar, for the people of Bihar, for the pride and honour of Biharis… We are all ready… The NDA will triumph, and Bihar’s honour will endure… ‘Victory to Modi, Destined for Nitish’,” he said. Earlier, he had warned of “repercussions” in NDA saying, “What the high command decided, we accept, but by giving six seats, they have undervalued us, it may have repercussions in NDA.”Manjhi had demanded 15 seats for his party.
‘NDA seat-sharing issue resolved’
Both Chirag Paswan and Upendra Kushwaha said that the issue of seat allocation among NDA parties had been resolved through “amicable discussions.””The issue of seat allocation among NDA parties has been resolved through amicable discussions. The discussion on which party will contest which seat is also in its final stages with positive talks. Under the leadership of Modi ji and Nitish ji, all NDA parties are fully prepared with unity. Bihar is ready. NDA government,” Paswan said. “The issue of seat allocation among NDA parties has been resolved through amicable discussions. The discussion on which party will contest which seat is also in its final stages with positive talks,” Kushwaha said. Paswan’s case has been curious as he has emerged as a vocal critic of Bihar’s government, targeting ally Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) over rising crime and rallying support with his slogan “Abki baari, Yuva Bihari” amid the opposition’s focus on unemployment. The party had previously broken away from the NDA in 2020 over differences with Nitish Kumar, dealing a significant blow to the JD(U) despite winning just one of over 135 contested seats. Go to Source