Upendra Kushwaha, visibly upset over seat-sharing in the NDA, reached Delhi to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and is expected to return to Patna later today. Kushwaha’s anger stems from being allotted just six seats and the controversial reassignment of the Mahua seat to Chirag Paswan’s camp — a change he says is unacceptable. BJP leaders including Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, Union Minister Nityanand Rai and other senior figures held late-night meetings in Patna attempting to placate him, but those efforts failed to yield a resolution. Sources say Kushwaha told associates “this time nothing is well in NDA,” prompting the BJP to escalate talks to Delhi. Party insiders indicate BJP may consider increasing his seat share or offering future political adjustments to keep the alliance intact. The dispute comes as JD(U) prepares its candidate lists and Nitish Kumar ramps up door-to-door campaigning, while Chirag Paswan proceeds with symbol distribution for his candidates. With first-phase nominations just days away, the outcome of Kushwaha’s Delhi meeting could determine whether NDA heads into the polling season united or fractured. Political watchers say prompt reconciliation is crucial to prevent friendly fights and maintain vote consolidation in key Bihar constituencies.
