The Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) will hold a vital meeting in Delhi on Monday to discuss its seat-sharing strategy for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. This meeting reflects the urgent need for the alliance to solidify its position ahead of the elections scheduled for November.
RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son, Tejashwi Yadav, have arrived in the capital, accompanied by leaders of smaller alliance partners. They will meet with Congress leadership to negotiate the allocation of seats in the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly.
The meeting has gained significance due to the increasing pressure on the opposition bloc to finalize their strategy. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) recently unveiled its own seat-sharing formula, prompting a heightened sense of urgency among Mahagathbandhan members.
On Sunday, Mukesh Sahni, chief of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) and a Mahagathbandhan ally, candidly expressed concerns about internal discord within the alliance. He humorously referred to the situation, 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. We will return to Patna after getting healthy."
Despite these concerns, Bihar Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan attempted to reassure the public regarding the alliance’s unity. He stated, "A meeting will be held, and everything will be finalized. The Mahagathbandhan is united, and the current corrupt government is certain to go." His comments reflect a commitment to present a united front as they approach the election date.
The NDA’s recently announced seat-sharing arrangement has further intensified competition between the two alliances. Under this pact, Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the BJP will contest 101 seats each, while Union Minister Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) secures 29 seats. The Hindustani Awam Party (Secular), led by Jitan Ram Manjhi, alongside the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), will compete for six seats each.
The elections will take place in two phases: on November 6 and November 11, with counting scheduled for November 14. As the Mahagathbandhan leaders convene to finalize arrangements, all eyes will be on their ability to reconcile differences and present a united front against the NDA.
