Mahagathbandhan Leaders Meet in Delhi to Finalise Seat-Sharing

The Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan is convening a crucial meeting in Delhi today to finalise the seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. This strategic gathering aims to solidify the alliance’s position ahead of the polls scheduled for November.

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav, along with leaders from smaller alliance partners, arrived in the national capital to engage in discussions with the Congress leadership. Their goal is to reach consensus on seat distribution as tensions mount in the political landscape.

The meeting’s urgency underscores the growing pressure on the opposition bloc to come together, particularly after the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) publicly announced their own seat-sharing formula. The NDA’s early positioning adds to the stakes for the Mahagathbandhan, which must unify to challenge the ruling alliance.

Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahni, a member of the Mahagathbandhan, acknowledged internal differences among the allies. “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,” he said, injecting a touch of humour into the situation.

Despite concerns about discord, Bihar Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan worked to reassure supporters that the alliance remains intact. 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.” His remarks aim to quell fears regarding the coalition’s cohesion as the election date looms.

Meanwhile, the NDA’s seat-sharing pact, composed of Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the BJP, indicates electoral plans with both parties contesting 101 seats each. The Lok Janshakti Party, under Union Minister Chirag Paswan, received an allocation of 29 seats. Additionally, the Hindustani Awam Party (Secular), led by Jitan Ram Manjhi, and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) will each contest six seats, presenting a formidable challenge for the Mahagathbandhan.

The elections for the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly will unfold in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 14. As the political dynamics shift, all eyes remain on the Mahagathbandhan to determine if they can successfully negotiate their alliance and mount a credible challenge to the NDA.