Overview

• The NDA’s numeric split is set at BJP 101, JD(U) 101, LJP(RV) 29, and six each for RLM and HAM, but a joint presser was scrapped after parties failed to settle who contests which constituencies.
• Tensions center on JD(U) strongholds such as Sonbarsa and Rajgir that Chirag Paswan’s LJP(RV) has sought, with Nitish Kumar backing sitting MLA Ratnesh Sada in Sonbarsa.
• The BJP’s first list covers 71 of its 101 seats, fielding deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary (Tarapur) and Vijay Kumar Sinha (Lakhisarai) and dropping Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav from Patna Sahib.
• JD(U) faced backlash over ticket distribution as MLA Gopal Mandal held a dharna outside the chief minister’s residence and MP Ajay Kumar Mandal sought to resign, citing exclusion from consultations.
• The Opposition’s Mahagathbandhan has yet to finalize seat-sharing as Tejashwi Yadav ordered a rollback of symbols distributed in his absence, while an NDA-commissioned survey reviewed by HT projects a close race with a slight edge to the ruling coalition; nominations close October 17 and 20 with polling on November 6 and 11.