The Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan is set to meet in Delhi today to finalize its seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. This meeting comes against the backdrop of increasing pressure to solidify their strategy as the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has already announced its seat-sharing formula.
RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav have arrived in Delhi along with leaders from smaller alliance partners to negotiate with the Congress leadership over seat allocations. The stakes are high as the Mahagathbandhan aims to present a united front to challenge the NDA effectively.
Amid this crucial meeting, Mukesh Sahni, the chief of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), which is an ally of the Mahagathbandhan, acknowledged ongoing internal differences within the alliance. “The Mahagathbandhan has become a bit unwell. We are going to Delhi, and all the doctors are in Delhi, so better treatment will happen there,” he humorously remarked before leaving for the national capital.
While Sahni’s comments suggested some unease, Shakeel Ahmad Khan, a Bihar Congress leader, reassured supporters that the alliance remains intact. “A meeting will be held, and everything will be finalized. The Mahagathbandhan is united, and the current corrupt government is certain to go,” Khan stated confidently. His remarks reflect a united resolve ahead of the competitive elections.
The NDA’s seat-sharing arrangement includes Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), and the BJP each contesting 101 seats. The Lok Janshakti Party led by Chirag Paswan will contest 29 seats, while the Hindustani Awam Party (Secular) and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha will each contest six seats.
Voters in Bihar will head to the polls for the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with counting set for November 14. The outcome of these elections could significantly alter the political landscape in Bihar as parties work to solidify their influence.
The Mahagathbandhan’s effectiveness in its seat-sharing negotiation may play a pivotal role in determining how well they perform against the NDA. With a substantial constituency to serve, the opposition alliance’s ability to present a cohesive strategy could dictate the election results.
