Chirag is bargaining for seats. He wants 40 seats. The BJP is not ready to offer more than 25. Chirag is the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries in the Modi government and may seek a larger role for his party in the future at the center. The BJP is also aware that giving too many concessions to Chirag Paswan’s party could upset its other allies, especially the JDU. Chirag Paswan has a history of sharp differences with Nitish Kumar. Like Chirag, the JDU is also in the central government. Both are essential for the BJP. Therefore, it cannot risk displeasing either of them. In the 2020 elections, out of a total of 243 seats, the JDU contested on 115, the BJP on 110, and allies Vikassheel Insaan Party and Hindustani Awam Morcha on 11 and eight seats respectively. In this election, the BJP won 74 seats and the JDU won 43.
