The Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) led Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) convenes a pivotal meeting in Delhi today to finalize the seat-sharing agreement for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections. This meeting holds critical significance, as it comes against the backdrop of rising pressure for the opposition bloc to present a united front.
RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav, along with leaders from smaller alliance partners, have arrived in the capital to engage in discussions with the Congress leadership regarding seat allocations. Their collaboration is essential for the Mahagathbandhan’s strategy as they aim to counter the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Pressure mounts on the alliance as the NDA, headed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), recently disclosed its seat-sharing plan, posing a challenge to opposition unity. Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahni openly admitted that internal differences affect the alliance’s harmony. “Mahagathbandhan has become a bit unwell. We are going to Delhi, where all the doctors are. Better treatment will happen there,” Sahni humorously remarked.
Conversely, Bihar Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan emphasized the alliance’s resilience, stating, “A meeting will be held, and everything will be finalized. The Mahagathbandhan is united.” He expressed confidence that the current government, marred by corruption, will face defeat in the upcoming elections.
Under the NDA’s recently unveiled seat-sharing agreement, Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the BJP will contest 101 seats each, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), led by Union Minister Chirag Paswan, is allocated 29 seats. Additionally, the Hindustani Awam Party (Secular) and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha will contest six seats each.
Bihar’s Legislative Assembly elections, involving 243 constituencies, will take place in two phases — on November 6 and November 11. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 14. The outcomes could significantly alter the political landscape in Bihar, making the current discussions vital.