No More 'Big Brother, Small Brother' Dynamic As JD(U), BJP Go Into Bihar Polls As 'Equals'

Last Updated:October 12, 2025, 22:31 IST

Senior BJP leaders described the NDA seat-sharing arrangement as a "well-balanced and wise decision", stressing that it reflects mutual agreement rather than pressure politics

The BJP called the seat-sharing arrangement with JD(U) a "practice in parity", with other NDA allies also getting a "logical" share of the seat-sharing pie. (Image: PTI/File)

The BJP has never before contested the same or larger number of assembly seats in its alliance with the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) in Bihar. But, that is set to change in the upcoming election.

Veering away from the “big brother, small brother" notion in the JD(U)-BJP relationship, both the parties will contest an equal number of seats — 101 each — in the Bihar assembly elections, which will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11.

The BJP is calling this a “practice in parity" rather than “pressure politics", with other NDA allies also getting a “logical" share of the seat-sharing pie.

A senior BJP leader said this challenges the old “big brother, small brother" dynamic and establishes parity. Another senior party leader described the NDA seat-sharing arrangement as a “well-balanced and wise decision", stressing that it reflects mutual agreement rather than pressure politics.

“The BJP and JD(U) have an equal role, and the seat distribution among the other parties also is logical," the senior BJP leader told News18.

For the first time, the Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP-Ram Vilas) is contesting as part of the complete NDA. This time, it is contesting on 29 seats, suggesting that mutual agreement has prevailed over pressure politics.

In 2020, it had broken away from the main alliance and independently contested at least 135 seats. In 2015, the LJP contested 42 seats when the JD(U) was not part of the NDA and, in 2010, it contested 75 in alliance with the opposition RJD. 

“Hence, there is no element of pressure politics — rather, mutual agreement has prevailed," the BJP leader said.

Jitan Ram Manjhi of Hidustani Awam Morcha (HAM), whose cryptic comments on social media a few days ago triggered speculation that “all is not well" in the NDA, had previously contested seven seats. This time, he has been allotted six seats but this time but has gained a bigger share within the NDA.

Manjhi now has one Lok Sabha MP, one Union minister, and six assembly seats indicating his increased stature within the NDA.

“This was not the case earlier, so his stature within the NDA has grown," a BJP leader said.

Another BJP leader suggested that Upendra Kushwaha of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) — currently in the Rajya Sabha — may become a Union minister in future. Hence, he has also been allotted six assembly seats.

All NDA allies have publicly welcomed the seat-sharing arrangement, reflecting cordiality in the ruling alliance that is quite in contrast to the opposition Mahagathbandhan.

The INDIA bloc is yet to declare its seat-sharing arrangement, with differences persisting between the principal opposition parties — the Congress and RJD. Lalu Prasad Yadav wants the Congress to contest no more than 54 seats and insists on an official declaration for  Tejashwi Yadav as the chief ministerial candidate.

Aman Sharma

Aman Sharma, News Director For CNN News18 and News18 English, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister’s Office. He has written widely on politics, ele...Read More

Aman Sharma, News Director For CNN News18 and News18 English, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister’s Office. He has written widely on politics, ele...

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News elections No More 'Big Brother, Small Brother' Dynamic As JD(U), BJP Go Into Bihar Polls As 'Equals'

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