Bihar Polls: 'NDA is united', says Ravi Shankar Prasad; hails efforts of BJP-JD(U) govt

Days ahe of Bihar polls, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Pras on Saturday exuded confidence in  ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and furr highlighted  development work done by BJP-JD(U) government. Assembly polls for 243-member legislative assembly will be held in three phases - first, on October 28, Second on October 3 and third on vember 7.

Speaking to ANI, Union Minister also spoke about strained ties with LJP and said that LJP is part of Central government, ding that he is hopeful LJP will fight upcoming election with NDA.

"We strongly believe that people of Bihar will again bless NDA in #biharassemblypolls. People have seen development works done by BJP-JD(U) govt. y have also seen how PM Modi's love for Bihar has materialized on ground. NDA is united and it will fight election unitedly. If anyone has a problem, we will find a solution. LJP is part of Central govt. We fought last election with m and I am hopeful that we will fight this election toger," said Ravi Shankar Pras.

ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) includes Janata Dal-United, BJP, Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha. As per sources, LJP which currently has 2 MLAs in 243-member assembly wants to contest on 143 seats this time. In 2015, LJP h contested 40 seats. Moreover, sources say that if differences with CM Nitish Kumar aren't resolved, LJP might field candidates against JDU in upcoming polls.

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Bihar Election dates anunced

Election Commission of India in a press conference on Friday anunced  schedule for Bihar assembly elections. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora said that polls for 243-member legislative assembly will be held in three phases. First phase will be held on October 28, Second on vember 3 and third on vember 7, while counting of votes and results declaration will be held on vember 10. Sunil Arora also informed that Model Code of Conduct will be in effect from Friday with anuncement of election dates.

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NDA vs Mahagathbandhan in Bihar elections

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who les a coalition with BJP, will fight for a fourth term in se elections, with opposition RJD and Congress challenging him.  ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) includes Janata Dal-United, BJP, Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha.

In  243-member assembly seat, NDA currently has 131, and Mahagathbandhan has 101 seats (11 seats are vacant). In 2015 assembly polls, CM Nitish Kumar's JDU, n a part of Mahagathbandhan won 71 seats, Lalu Pras Yav's RJD won 80 seats, and Congress won 27 seats. BJP which fought elections alone after Kumar in 2013 broke 17-year-old alliance won a mere 53 seats out of 157 contested. However, saffron party came back to power when Kumar ditched Mahagathbandhan and once again stitched an alliance with BJP.

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