PATNA, Nov. 15 -- Riding the National Democratic Alliance wave, three smaller partners in the coalition-the LJP (RV), HAM-S and RLM-won 28 of 40 seats they contested, becoming key to the alliance's caste arithmetic in a state where voting following such faultlines are politically crucial.

Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) represents Dalit Paswans, Jiten Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) commands support among Dalit Manhjis, and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Loktantrik Morcha attracts Kushwahas-a demographic the Rashtriya Janata Dal also targeted.

While HAM-S won five of six seats and RLM secured four of six, LJP (RV) won 19 of 28 seats contested. This continues the party's momentum from the 2024 Lok Sabha electi...