NATIONAL: Bihar Election War: Alliance Cracks Deepen?
As Bihar gears up for its assembly elections, the opposition’s Mahagathbandhan faces mounting internal challenges.
With nominations wrapping up, the lack of a unified strategy has left allies scrambling, raising questions about their ability to challenge the ruling NDA effectively.
Poll Schedule and Phases
Elections for the 243-seat Bihar assembly will occur in two phases, on November 6 and November 11.
The first phase covers 121 constituencies, while the second includes the remaining 122. Vote counting is set for November 14, with results expected the same day.
RJD Takes the Lead
Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal made a decisive move by announcing candidates for 143 seats.
Party heavyweight Tejashwi Yadav will seek re-election from his stronghold in Raghopur, Vaishali district.
This list, released amid tight nomination deadlines, includes a mix of experienced leaders and fresh faces, with 24 women among them.
Congress’s Candidate Push
The Congress party has named 60 candidates so far, adding more in recent hours to reach 61.
This comes without a formal pact, leading to overlaps in several constituencies. Party leaders insist talks continue, but the independent announcements highlight growing frustrations.
Stalled Seat-Sharing Talks
Negotiations between the Congress and RJD remain unresolved, despite ongoing discussions.
Political observers point to strained relations between Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi as a key factor.
The alliance, part of the broader INDIA bloc, has yet to declare a joint formula, fueling speculation of deeper rifts.
Signs of Disarray
In the first-phase seats alone, opposition parties have fielded over 125 candidates for 121 spots.
This overlap suggests poor coordination and could split votes. Allies like CPI and CPI-ML have also released their lists independently, adding to the confusion.
Nomination Deadlines Loom
The window for first-phase nominations closed on October 17, with today marking the final day for withdrawals.
Second-phase filings end today as well, pressuring parties to resolve disputes quickly. Over 1,300 valid nominations have been accepted so far across phases.
Potential Electoral Impact
Analysts warn that this infighting might weaken the Mahagathbandhan’s challenge against the NDA, which has finalized its candidates smoothly.
Voters in Bihar, known for prioritizing development and jobs, may view the opposition’s chaos as a sign of instability. As campaigning intensifies, the alliance’s unity will be tested.
Broader Context
The elections come at a time when Bihar’s political landscape is polarized, with issues like employment and infrastructure dominating debates.
The opposition hopes to capitalize on anti-incumbency, but internal hurdles could undermine their efforts.