Tensions Rise Within Alliances as Bihar Seat-Sharing Talks Intensify Ahead of Assembly Elections
Seat-sharing negotiations for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections have entered a crucial phase, with key political alliances — the NDA led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) — working to finalize their respective deals.
A senior Mahagathbandhan leader stated, “We will make the announcement in a day or two. There’s no problem, everything is fine.” While the NDA has officially finalized its seat-sharing arrangement, the RJD-Congress-led Mahagathbandhan is also close to sealing its pact, with expectations to contest around 60 seats.
Behind the scenes, the internal dynamics are becoming increasingly tense. JD(U) has reportedly shortlisted candidates such as state party president Umesh Kushwaha and minister Ratnesh Sada, despite earlier disputes over high-stakes constituencies. Friction has emerged within the NDA, especially over JD(U)’s strongholds being allotted to other alliance partners.
JD(U) has expressed strong discontent over several of its bastions being handed to allies. This internal disagreement forced the BJP to delay releasing its candidate list for Bihar on Monday — just a day after it claimed the seat allocation had been finalized in a “cordial atmosphere.”
One flashpoint is the Sonbarsa seat in Saharsa district, currently held by JD(U) minister Ratnesh Sada, which has reportedly been given to Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) as part of the alliance. JD(U), however, has already fielded Sada from Sonbarsa.
Similarly, tensions have flared over the Rajgir constituency, where despite JD(U)’s hold, LJP(R) has staked a claim. The issue remains unresolved, fueling more strain within the NDA.
In another contentious move, the Tarapur seat has been given to the BJP, from where Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is set to contest — a decision that has not gone down well with the JD(U).
JD(U) MLA Gopal Mandal Protests Outside CM Residence
Adding to the turmoil, JD(U) MLA Gopal Mandal staged a sit-in outside the Chief Minister’s residence, alleging a conspiracy to deny him a ticket. “I’ve come to meet the Chief Minister, and I won’t leave until he assures me of my ticket. I’ll wait for him. I’m confident my ticket will not be cut,” Mandal said.
Lalu Yadav Distributes Party Symbols Amid Unfinalized Alliance Talks
Meanwhile, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav distributed party symbols to several loyalists on Monday, even as the Mahagathbandhan has yet to officially finalize its seat-sharing agreement. After appearing in the IRCTC scam hearing at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, Lalu returned to Rabri Devi’s residence in Patna, where a large crowd had gathered.
Selected candidates were seen proudly displaying the RJD symbol, their faces glowing with excitement. However, it remains unclear how many of them have been formally awarded party tickets.