The Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) is convening in Delhi on Monday to finalize seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The meeting will involve discussions among key leaders, including RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav.
This meeting occurs against the backdrop of escalating pressure on the opposition bloc. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) recently announced its seat-sharing formula, prompting urgency for the Mahagathbandhan to resolve its internal discrepancies.
Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahni, an ally in the Mahagathbandhan, highlighted the coalition’s struggles, humorously 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.” His remarks reflect a candid acknowledgment of the current disunion within the alliance.
Despite efforts to bridge differences, Bihar Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan conveyed optimism regarding the coalition’s unity. “A meeting will be held, and everything will be finalized. The Mahagathbandhan is united, and the current corrupt government is certain to go,” he asserted, aiming to reassure supporters.
The NDA’s existing seat-sharing pact offers significant insights into the competitive landscape. 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 has been allotted 29 seats. Other partners include the Hindustani Awam Party (Secular) and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), each contesting six seats.
As the clock ticks down to the elections for the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly, scheduled for November 6 and 11, with the counting of votes on November 14, every decision made during this meeting may significantly shape the electoral battleground.
The two phases of polling will test the resolve of the Mahagathbandhan, which seeks to present a united front against the NDA. The allotment of seats will be critical, as each party aims to optimize its chances and consolidate voter support ahead of the election.
