Political equations within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar took a dramatic twist just days ahead of the Assembly elections. According to India TV reports, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha, who had voiced his dissatisfaction over the seat-sharing formula, has reportedly been assured of a Legislative Council (MLC) seat and an extension in the Rajya Sabha.

Meanwhile, the key Mahua Assembly seat has officially gone to Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), a move that initially triggered discontent within Kushwaha’s camp. Sources cited by India TV confirmed that this decision was finalised after several rounds of internal discussions among NDA partners.

The development comes just hours after Kushwaha’s open expression of displeasure over his party receiving only six seats in the NDA seat-sharing arrangement. He had also reportedly objected to the Mahua seat being given to the LJP (RV).

NDA leaders had claimed that the seat-sharing exercise was completed “amicably” and that all partners were on board. However, the latest reports indicate that fissures within the alliance were deeper than initially believed.

As per the finalized formula, the BJP and JD(U) will contest 101 seats each, while LJP (Ram Vilas) has been allotted 29 seats. The Rashtriya Lok Morcha and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) will each contest six seats.