Nitish Kumar Has His Way, JDU’s First List Has 5 Seats Chirag Paswan Eyed
In Bihar’s fast-evolving political landscape, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has once again demonstrated his knack for strategic maneuvering. The Janata Dal (United) released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and in a clear show of political strength, the list includes five constituencies that Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan had been eyeing.
The development has sparked a wave of speculation within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) about growing tensions between the JDU and LJP factions. Nitish Kumar’s assertive move appears to reaffirm his role as a key decision-maker within the alliance — and a reminder that his political instincts remain as sharp as ever.
The Power Play Behind the List
The JDU’s first list didn’t just outline candidates — it signaled intent. Among the 16 seats announced, at least five overlap with constituencies Chirag Paswan had expressed interest in during internal discussions. While the JDU leadership maintained that the selections were made based on “organizational strength,” insiders believe this was a deliberate message from Nitish to both allies and rivals.
Chirag Paswan, who has been steadily rebuilding his political base after the passing of his father, Ram Vilas Paswan, had hoped for a larger share of seats this election. His public statements have projected confidence about contesting from several key constituencies where the LJP claims to have strong grassroots support. But Nitish Kumar’s list effectively cuts into that space, indicating that JDU intends to retain its strongholds and influence over candidate selection.
Old Rivalries, New Equations
The uneasy relationship between Nitish Kumar and Chirag Paswan is no secret. The two leaders have shared a complicated political history — from being allies in the NDA to rivals in the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections. Chirag had famously campaigned against Nitish’s JDU at the time, calling himself “Modi’s Hanuman” and positioning his party as loyal to the BJP but opposed to Nitish’s leadership in Bihar.
Read more: Delhi Government to Table School Fee Bill Amid Backlash Over Delay
Now, with the Lok Sabha polls approaching, the BJP’s effort to maintain harmony within the NDA is being tested once again. Nitish’s decision to field candidates from constituencies eyed by Chirag can be interpreted as a subtle assertion of his continuing dominance, even after multiple political shifts over the past few years.
Chirag’s Camp Reacts — ‘All Options Open’
While Chirag Paswan has not issued a direct statement on JDU’s seat list, sources close to his camp suggest growing frustration. LJP (Ram Vilas) leaders have privately indicated that they are evaluating “all options” if negotiations don’t yield a more favorable seat distribution.
However, Chirag also understands the importance of staying aligned with the NDA — particularly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership still commanding significant appeal in Bihar. His strategy appears to balance public restraint with behind-the-scenes persuasion, avoiding open confrontation while keeping political leverage intact.
BJP’s Balancing Act
For the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which heads the NDA alliance, the current situation presents a delicate challenge. The party has worked hard to maintain unity among its Bihar allies, especially after the turbulent years of shifting alliances involving Nitish Kumar. The BJP leadership is reportedly trying to mediate seat-sharing talks to prevent public friction between the JDU and LJP factions.
While BJP values both Nitish’s administrative credibility and Chirag’s youth appeal, reconciling their ambitions could prove tricky. A prolonged standoff might risk vote division in key constituencies — something the NDA can ill afford in a state where electoral margins are often razor-thin.
Nitish’s Calculated Confidence
For Nitish Kumar, this move serves a dual purpose. It not only reinforces his control over the JDU’s decision-making process but also reminds allies that he remains an indispensable pillar of the NDA in Bihar. Despite frequent political speculation about his future alignments, Nitish has once again positioned himself as the alliance’s senior strategist — decisive, unyielding, and politically astute.
Read more: NEET PG Counselling 2025: Dates, Process, and Top Medical Colleges to Watch
His party’s confidence stems from the belief that JDU’s organizational presence across Bihar remains solid, and its candidates stand a good chance even in constituencies where LJP has growing influence.
Looking Ahead
As the seat-sharing negotiations continue, all eyes are now on Chirag Paswan’s next move. Whether he chooses compromise, confrontation, or quiet recalibration will determine not just his party’s immediate fortunes but also the balance of power within the NDA in Bihar.
For now, one thing is certain — Nitish Kumar has once again proved that in Bihar’s political chessboard, he knows how to make the first decisive move.
