After a high-voltage drama over seat allotment, BJP and JD(U) leaders went into damage-control mode. “It is a rumour floated by our rivals because they know they will lose at the ground level. The CM is happy and will be campaigning for NDA candidates,” said Sanjay Jha, national working president of the JD(U).

Union Minister and Bihar in-charge Dharamendra Pradhan held a brief press conference and stressed that the seat-sharing arrangement had been decided. “About 99% of the seats have been finalised. Talks among allies are on and the matter will be resolved very soon,” he said.

On Monday night, CM Nitish Kumar had called an emergency meeting of his core group to express strong resentment over seats having sitting JD(U) MLAs or strong performers, but were allocated to the LJP. He asked S

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