The Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) leaders convene in Delhi on Monday to finalize their seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. This meeting aims to navigate internal rifts amid the increasing pressure from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) which has already declared its own seat-sharing formula.
RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, his son Tejashwi Yadav, and other key figures from smaller alliance parties have arrived in Delhi for discussions with the Congress leadership. The urgency of the meeting reflects the growing need for a cohesive strategy ahead of the high-stakes elections.
Pressure on the Mahagathbandhan intensifies as the NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, formally outlines its allocation of seats. This includes a pact wherein Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the BJP are set to contest 101 seats each. Additionally, Union Minister Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will receive 29 seats in this electoral arrangement while the Hindustani Awam Party (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) are each allotted six seats.
Earlier developments revealed signs of strain within the Mahagathbandhan. Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahni acknowledged these internal differences during an interview, stating, “Mahagathbandhan has become a bit unwell. We are going to Delhi, and all the doctors are in Delhi, so better treatment will happen there. We will return to Patna after getting healthy.” His tongue-in-cheek remarks highlighted the challenges faced by the alliance.
Despite Sahni’s comments, Bihar Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan remains optimistic. He stated, “A meeting will be held, and everything will be finalised. The Mahagathbandhan is united, and the current corrupt government is certain to go.” This assertion reflects the coalition’s resolve to present a united front against the NDA.
The Bihar Assembly elections will unfold in two phases, scheduled for November 6 and November 11, with the results to be counted on November 14. As the election date approaches, Mahagathbandhan leaders hope for a solidified seat-sharing arrangement to counter the NDA’s robust strategy.
The stakes remain high for both alliances. As the political landscape shifts, the Mahagathbandhan aims to leverage its collective strength in these crucial elections. With mounting discussions and preparations taking place in Delhi, the developments from this meeting will significantly impact the political dynamics of Bihar in the coming weeks.
