Ranchi, October 18, 2025 - The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the ruling party of Jharkhand, has announced its decision to contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections independently. The party will field candidates in six constituencies, potentially impacting the opposition's unity in the process.
JMM General Secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya stated that the party will contest from Chakai, Dhamdaha, Katoria (ST), Manihari (ST), Jamui and Pirpainti. These constituencies will go to the polls during the second phase of the elections on November 11.
Bhattacharya explained that JMM had attempted to engage with all members of the Mahagathbandhan, especially the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), to discuss the constituencies where their local workers have historically challenged the JD(U)-BJP alliance. He highlighted JMM's past support for the RJD and Congress in Jharkhand during the 2019 Assembly elections, where they conceded seats to foster coalition unity.
Bhattacharya further added that despite their cooperation, only one RJD candidate from Chatra was given a ministerial post for five years. He also noted that after the 2024 elections, JMM offered six seats to RJD and a key cabinet position to one of its members.
Jharkhand Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu mentioned that JMM had previously expressed its interest in contesting specific Bihar seats to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav during a meeting in Patna. The leaders were initially scheduled to finalize JMM's role following an INDIA bloc discussion on October 6, but the talks did not result in an agreement.
With alliance discussions proving unfruitful, JMM has resolved to contest independently, focusing on its influence in Bihar's tribal and border regions near Jharkhand. Sonu also stated that the party would concentrate on solidifying its presence before the Ghatshila by-election in Jharkhand, scheduled for November 11, which is a traditional JMM stronghold.
The Bihar Assembly elections for the 243-member Assembly will be conducted in two phases on November 6 and November 11, and the votes will be counted on November 14. While the Mahagathbandhan is yet to announce its final list of candidates, JMM has already declared its intention to contest independently.
In other news, Home Minister Amit Shah, during his visit to Patna, announced that if the NDA returns to power in Bihar, it will transform the state into an “industrial hub”. He also criticized RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, asserting that his 15-year tenure pushed Bihar back by almost half a century. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya held a roadshow in the Siwan Assembly constituency and praised PM Modi, stating that over 30 crore people in India have been lifted out of poverty due to initiatives taken under his leadership.
