The Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan is convening a pivotal meeting in Delhi on Monday to finalize a seat-sharing strategy for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections. This gathering involves prominent alliance figures seeking to solidify their game plan as they face off against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Leadership from the RJD, including supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav, descended on Delhi along with representatives from smaller alliance partners. They aim to discuss and negotiate the allocation of seats with Congress leaders, crucial to securing a competitive edge in the elections.
This meeting takes place under increasing scrutiny as the NDA has maped out its own seat-sharing formula, putting pressure on the opposition bloc to come to an agreement swiftly. Tensions within the Mahagathbandhan have surfaced, especially highlighted by comments from Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahni.
“Mahagathbandhan has become a bit unwell,” Sahni remarked humorously before departing for Delhi. “We are going to Delhi, and all the doctors are there, so better treatment will happen. We will return healthy to Patna.” His light-hearted comments come amidst serious discussions as the alliance seeks cohesion.
In a contrasting tone, Bihar Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan reassured stakeholders that the alliance remains unified. 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.” Khan’s comments reflect a determined outlook as they prepare for the competitive landscape ahead.
Meanwhile, the NDA announced a detailed seat-sharing arrangement: Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the BJP will vie for 101 seats each, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), led by Union Minister Chirag Paswan, receives 29 seats. Additionally, Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Party (Secular) and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) will contest on six seats apiece.
The political atmosphere intensifies as the elections for the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly approach. Scheduled in two phases on November 6 and November 11, counting will occur on November 14. As the clock ticks, the Mahagathbandhan’s ability to forge a united front will play a critical role in the upcoming elections against a backdrop of rivalry from the NDA.
