BJP says Aadhaar alone can't give voting rights; Rahul slams EC

SEAT-sharing talks between allies of the NDA for the upcoming Bihar assembly election are in the final stages with sources pointing towards BJP and JD(U) expected to contest an equal number of seats, likely around 100 each.

- RAMASHANKAR @Patna

However, both parties are likely to face a challenge in satisfying smaller allies like Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM), which are demanding 40 and 20 seats, respectively.

A senior LJP (RV) leader, on a condition of anonymity, said, "We have made it clear to contest not less than 40 seats in the elections." Even if Chirag's LJP (RV) relents, it is not expected to contest less than 30 seats, sources added.

On the other hand, a senior HAM leader said, "My party would not settle for less than 20 seats. We should not be offered fewer seats than what LJP gets. We have four legislators in the state assembly while the LJP has none."