The ongoing seat-sharing negotiations within the INDIA bloc for the Bihar Assembly elections are facing delays as key leaders from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav, have traveled to Delhi. While their presence in the capital has sparked speculation about immediate resolution, a court hearing for the father-son duo in connection to a CBI case appears to be the primary reason for the trip. Despite this, meetings with senior Congress leaders are expected, adding a layer of complexity to the already intricate alliance talks.
Sources indicate that both the RJD and Congress are engaging in tough negotiations to secure the maximum number of favorable seats for their respective parties. The RJD, being the dominant force in the "Mahagathbandhan" in Bihar, has authorized Lalu Prasad Yadav to make decisions regarding seat distribution and candidate selection. The party is reportedly aiming to contest no less than half of the 243 seats in the assembly. Meanwhile, the Congress is pushing to contest at least 60 seats, a figure that RJD finds challenging.
Several factors contribute to the complexities of the seat-sharing discussions. The Congress party, energized by its recent performance and led by AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru, is reportedly negotiating more assertively than in the past. Moreover, Tejashwi Yadav is trying to ensure that Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP) gets a respectable number of seats to remain in the INDIA bloc. This adds another layer to the negotiations, requiring accommodation for newer entrants into the alliance, including VIP, RLJP and JMM.
Adding to the difficulties, disagreements persist over at least five specific seats: Baisi, Bahadurganj, Raniganj, Kahalgaon, and Saharsa. Both RJD and Congress are vying for these seats, further delaying the finalization of a seat-sharing agreement. Another sticking point is the Chief Ministerial candidate. While the RJD has been projecting Tejashwi Yadav as the face of the alliance, the Congress party has yet to officially endorse this.
Despite the challenges, there's a palpable sense of urgency to finalize the seat-sharing arrangement. The RJD recognizes an opportunity to gain power in 2025, fueled by anti-incumbency sentiments against the NDA and the positive momentum generated by recent political events. The Congress also seems keen to resolve the matter, with insiders suggesting that both parties are testing each other's resolve but are likely to finalize the deal for the sake of the INDIA bloc.
Congress leaders have stated they are united and confident about ousting the NDA in Bihar. The first phase of nominations closes on October 17, with polls commencing on November 6, adding pressure to conclude the seat-sharing agreement promptly. While Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav's trip to Delhi has introduced a temporary pause, the INDIA bloc remains focused on resolving the remaining issues and presenting a united front against the NDA in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
