JDU
NDA

Janata Dal (United)

Social conservatism, Secularism · Founded 2003

12
Lok Sabha
of 543
4
Rajya Sabha
of 245
0
States Ruling
of 36

About the Party

Nitish Kumar's JDU dominates Bihar politics and is a crucial NDA ally. Kumar has pivoted between NDA and INDIA alliance multiple times, earning the nickname 'Paltu Kumar'. JDU won 85 seats in the NDA's 202-seat sweep of the 2025 Bihar elections — its best showing since 2010 — before Nitish moved to the Rajya Sabha in April 2026, handing the CM chair to BJP's Samrat Choudhary.

Founded
2003
Alliance
NDA
President
Nitish Kumar
HQ
Patna
Type
State / Regional Party
Ideology
Social conservatism, Secularism

Lok Sabha Performance

ECI data
200482009202014201916202412
YearSeatsVote %
202412/ 5432.6%
201916/ 543
20142/ 543
200920/ 543
20048/ 543
Lok Sabha Share (2024)
272majority
12 / 543 seats
2.2% seat share

Key Facts

  • Nitish Kumar has been Bihar CM for over 18 years (non-consecutive)
  • Pivoted between NDA and RJD multiple times
  • Won 85/243 in Bihar 2025 (NDA 202) — best JDU showing since 2010
  • Secular-socialist ideology despite NDA alliance
  • Bihar's most dominant regional party since 2005
States & UTs Currently Ruling (0)
Not currently ruling any state