Key Takeaways
- The NDA meeting on July 18 could reshape the pre‑election alliance landscape in India.
- BJP President JP Nadda extended invitations to Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi.
- Recent political shifts, including Santosh Manjhi’s resignation, have heightened speculation about new coalition partners.
For the NDA meeting to be held on Tuesday, July 18, in New Delhi, BJP President JP Nadda has invited LJP chief Chirag Paswan and HAM chief Jitan Ram Manjhi.
While HAM already joined the alliance, the move follows the recent resignation of Santosh Manjhi, son of Jitan Ram Manjhi, from Nitish Kumar’s cabinet.
This invitation has intensified speculation that Paswan may also join the NDA.
Recently, Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, had met with Chirag Paswan, and discussed an alliance ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha and the 2025 Bihar State assembly elections, over tea. Following the meeting with Rai, Paswan had said that the talks of an alliance with the BJP were going on, and one or two more rounds of meeting would be held regarding the same.
In response to Nadda’s invitation to the meeting in the national capital, Paswan said that the final decision on attending the meeting or formally joining the NDA, will be taken after holding meetings with party members.
