The Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan meets in Delhi today to finalize its seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for November 6 and November 11. The alliance leaders gather to address internal differences amid a competitive electoral landscape.
RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav, alongside leaders from smaller alliance partners, convene with Congress leadership to discuss the pivotal allocation of seats ahead of the elections. Their meeting is timely, as it comes right after the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) announced its seat-sharing formula, increasing pressure on the opposition to come to a consensus quickly.
On Sunday, Mukesh Sahni, the chief of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) and a Mahagathbandhan ally, acknowledged the existing rifts within the alliance. He humorously remarked, “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 comments reflect the gravity of the situation while maintaining a light-hearted tone.
Despite these discrepancies, Bihar Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan sought to quell concerns of disunity. He reassured supporters that “a meeting will be held, and everything will be finalized. The Mahagathbandhan is united, and the current corrupt government is certain to go.” His statements are intended to rally confidence among the alliance’s base.
The NDA, on the other hand, has solidified its strategy, with Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the BJP contesting 101 seats each. Additionally, Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has secured 29 seats, while the Hindustani Awam Party (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) will contest six seats each. This seating division showcases the intensity of the political climate leading to the elections.
As the countdown begins to the elections for the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly, the unity within the Mahagathbandhan will be crucial. Voters eager for change view these elections as pivotal in determining the future political landscape in Bihar.
Counting of votes is scheduled for November 14, providing a clear timeline for both parties as they race to solidify their strategies. The outcome will not only influence Bihar but may also set a precedent for opposition coalitions across India.
