In a major political development, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has declared his party will contest all 243 seats in Bihar. This announcement could unsettle the INDIA bloc alliance in the poll-bound state. His statement came during a rally in Muzaffarpur on Saturday. It signals a potential rift within the Mahagathbandhan coalition.
Tejashwi explicitly stated, “And this time, Tejashwi will contest all 243 seats, whether it is Muzaffarpur, Kanti or Bochahan.” This declaration serves as a clear pointer to the ongoing drift in the alliance. As the Leader of the Opposition, his words carry significant weight. The political landscape in Bihar is heating up.
The announcement emerged amid visible differences in seat-sharing talks. The two major stakeholders, RJD and Congress, are struggling to find common ground. Congress has repeatedly demanded not less than 70 seats for the upcoming polls. However, RJD is unwilling to offer more than 45 to 50 seats.
RJD justifies its stance by citing Congress’s dismal performance in the last Assembly polls. This stalemate has created tension and reluctance within the alliance. Congress has been hesitant to announce Tejashwi Yadav as the grand alliance’s chief ministerial candidate. Insiders confirm this hesitation is directly linked to the seat-sharing dispute.
RJD sources quickly moved to back Mr. Yadav’s assertion. They claimed he was merely appealing to voters to support the INDIA bloc. His statements were not intended to signal any message to alliance partners. They accused the ruling NDA of flaring up his comments to create a rift.
Bihar Congress leaders have notably avoided commenting on Tejashwi’s remark. They stated that the seat-sharing formula is in its final stages. An announcement is expected soon after the last round of discussions. This final meeting is likely to occur by the end of the month.
Political analysts observe that both parties are flexing their muscles. Each is asserting its position within the alliance. The Congress, emboldened by Rahul Gandhi’s successful Vote Adhikar Yatra, is pushing for more seats. RJD remains firm in its resistance.
Despite the tensions, analysts believe both parties will contest together. They expect the Mahagathbandhan to remain intact for the polls. The alliance is crucial for countering the NDA’s influence in Bihar. Cooperation is essential for electoral success.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has intervened in the stalemate. He asked Congress leaders to hand over their candidate names before the final seat-sharing meeting. This move aims to expedite the process and reduce friction. Lalu’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation.
In the 2020 elections, the NDA won power with a thin majority. They secured 125 seats in the 243-member Assembly. The Opposition alliance managed to bag 110 seats. RJD emerged as the single-largest party with 75 seats but still lost the election.
The recent 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw the Mahagathbandhan fighting together. RJD won four seats, while Congress clinched three. CPI(M-L) managed to bag two seats. These results highlight the coalition’s potential when united.
Tejashwi’s declaration adds a new layer of complexity. It tests the resilience of the INDIA bloc in Bihar. The coming weeks will be critical for alliance dynamics. Voters are watching closely as negotiations unfold.
The outcome of these talks could shape Bihar’s political future. All eyes are on the seat-sharing finalization. The state prepares for a high-stakes electoral battle.