The INDIA bloc is facing significant hurdles as the Bihar Assembly elections approach, threatening the opposition alliance's unity and raising questions about its future. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress are struggling to agree on seat-sharing arrangements and a Chief Ministerial candidate, while a setback in Jharkhand further complicates matters.
The core issue lies in the distribution of seats among the alliance partners. Congress reportedly insisted on contesting 70 seats, the same number it contested in the 2020 elections when it only won 19. The RJD, led by Lalu Prasad Yadav, is hesitant to repeat what it sees as a mistake, preferring Congress to contest fewer seats. This difference in opinion has caused a stalemate, delaying the announcement of a final seat-sharing formula. Some sources say that under an internal understanding, Congress would get 61 seats, ceding 2 to the IP party, while the Left parties would get 30 and the RJD 135.
Adding to the discord, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has decided to contest the Bihar elections independently, a move that has been described as a setback for the Mahagathbandhan. The JMM, which is part of the ruling coalition in Jharkhand with Congress and RJD, reportedly demanded 12 seats in Bihar but was not offered a "respectable" share. The party will now field candidates in six constituencies, primarily in tribal-dominated and border regions. This decision could split the opposition vote, potentially benefiting the ruling NDA. The JMM has also hinted at a potential review of its alliance with Congress and RJD in Jharkhand after the Bihar elections, signaling deeper strains within the INDIA bloc.
Furthermore, the lack of a consensus on a Chief Ministerial face is creating friction. While the RJD, along with other alliance members, is projecting Tejashwi Yadav as the CM candidate, Congress has not publicly endorsed him. This reluctance has fueled speculation about a lack of unity and coordination within the alliance.
The internal disputes have not gone unnoticed. Janata Dal (United) leader Rajiv Ranjan Prasad stated that the Mahagathbandhan leaders are "wielding swords against each other" amid the seat allocation stalemate. The BJP has also seized on the opportunity to criticize the INDIA bloc, with Amit Malviya blaming Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav for the chaos.
Despite the challenges, some leaders remain optimistic. Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has expressed confidence that an agreement is near. However, the delays and public disagreements have damaged the INDIA bloc's image of unity, raising concerns about its ability to present a cohesive alternative to the NDA.
As the nomination deadline approaches, the INDIA bloc faces a critical test. The outcome of the seat-sharing negotiations and the ability of the alliance to project a united front will determine its prospects in the Bihar elections and its viability as a national opposition force. The Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases, on November 6 and 11, with the results being declared on November 14.
