Janata Dal (United)

The Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) currently heads the government in Bihar as part of the 'Mahagathbandhan 2.0' with the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress and other left-leaning parties.

While its stronghold remains in Bihar, the party has also contested in other states and has shown the potential to expand its influence beyond its traditional base.

The JD(U) contested on 24 seats and won 16 (all in Bihar) in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, making it the seventh largest party in the Lok Sabha.

The party's alliance with the BJP in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) helped it gain a foothold in national politics and allowed the JD(U) to contribute to the central government's decision-making process.

It also helped to expand the party's political presence in other states, including Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

In the run-up to the 2024 elections, JD(U) is likely to focus on its development-oriented policies and its track record of governance in Bihar. The party may highlight its achievements in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture to garner support from voters across different states.

Additionally, the party might emphasise its commitment to maintaining regional interests while being part of a national coalition (INDIA).

It is also likely to woo the minority vote by highlighting its break from the BJP in the NDA as an endorsement of its secular values.

As Nitish seeks to expand the party's presence beyond Bihar and strengthen his position within the INDIA, the JD(U) is expected to articulate its national vision effectively, form strategic alliances, and adapt to the evolving political dynamics to make a significant impact on the national stage.

The JD(U) is likely to focus its resources on key states where it sees potential for electoral gains. States with a significant number of Lok Sabha seats, such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, might receive special attention in the party's campaign strategy.