List of Political Parties in Bihar with Symbols

Bihar, one of India’s most politically active states, is home to a wide spectrum of political parties. Its vibrant democracy includes both national and regional parties that represent diverse ideologies, social groups, and development agendas. The political scenario in Bihar has been shaped by regional leadership, caste-based politics, social justice movements, and coalition governments.

Major Political Parties in Bihar

Below is a list of prominent political parties in Bihar along with their abbreviations, symbols, and classifications.

Bihar’s government operates under a coalition system, reflecting the balance between regional identity and national political trends. The current state government is formed by a coalition called the Mahagathbandhan, or the Grand Alliance, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leads the opposition.

The Ruling Coalition: Mahagathbandhan

The Mahagathbandhan coalition currently governs Bihar. The term means “Grand Alliance” and represents a coalition of multiple political parties that have joined forces to form the state government. It first gained prominence during the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections when the alliance defeated the BJP-led coalition.

The Mahagathbandhan consists of the following parties:

1. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD): Founded by Lalu Prasad Yadav in 1997, RJD advocates for social justice, equality, and secularism. The party draws its ideology from Jay Prakash Narayan’s revolutionary movement. Currently, Tejashwi Yadav, son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, serves as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar.
2. Janata Dal (United) – JD(U): Formed in 2003, JD(U) is led by Nitish Kumar, who has served multiple terms as Chief Minister. The party focuses on social development, good governance, and secularism. It has shifted alliances between the BJP and Congress over time but remains a dominant force in Bihar politics.
3. Indian National Congress (INC): Established in 1885, the Congress party has played a key role in India’s independence and post-independence politics. In Bihar, it remains a crucial ally in the Mahagathbandhan, emphasizing secularism, democracy, and inclusive growth.
4. Communist Party of India (CPI): Formed in 1925, CPI is one of India’s oldest left-wing parties. It is based on Marxist-Leninist ideology and has been active in advocating workers’ and farmers’ rights.
5. Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPI(M): Established in 1964, CPI(M) promotes socialist governance and labor reforms. It has a strong ideological presence in left-wing politics and works in alliance with other progressive forces.
6. Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) – HAM: Founded in 2015 by Jitan Ram Manjhi, a former Chief Minister, HAM works for the empowerment of Dalits and marginalized communities. It supports social justice and inclusive development.

The Opposition in Bihar

In a democracy, the opposition plays an essential role in holding the government accountable and offering alternative policies. In Bihar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) serves as the primary opposition, along with other smaller parties such as AIMIM.

1. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Founded in 1980, BJP is India’s largest political party and the current ruling party at the national level. Its ideology is based on nationalism, economic development, and cultural identity. The party has a significant base in Bihar and has previously governed the state in alliance with JD(U).
2. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM): Formed in 1927 in Hyderabad, AIMIM represents the interests of the Muslim community and advocates for minority rights, education, and social welfare. The party, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has a growing presence in Bihar.

Significance of Bihar’s Political Scene

Bihar’s politics are known for their dynamic nature, shaped by coalition strategies, caste equations, and strong regional leadership. The state has often been at the center of national political discussions due to its diverse electorate and strategic alliances.

The Mahagathbandhan represents a coalition of social justice movements and developmental politics, while the BJP-led opposition offers an alternative based on nationalistic and development-oriented policies.