With the Bihar Assembly election dates rapidly approaching, the opposition INDIA bloc appears to be fracturing, casting a shadow of chaos over its collective challenge to the ruling NDA. In a major setback to the alliance’s unity, Hemant Soren’s Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Saturday announced its decision to contest the polls independently, while mounting tensions between the Congress and the RJD over seat allocation spilled into the open.
The disarray comes just after the deadline for filing nominations for the first phase of polling on November 6, which covers 121 constituencies. The Congress had unilaterally released a list of 48 candidates late on Thursday, bypassing its primary ally, the RJD—a move that highlighted deep fissures in the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ (Grand Alliance).
JMM Breaks Away, Threatens Jharkhand Alliance Review
The most damaging blow to the opposition front came from the JMM, which declared it would field candidates on six seats—Chakai, Dhamdaha, Katoria (ST), Manihari (ST), Jamui, and Pirpainti (SC)—all of which go to polls in the second phase on November 11.
JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya stated that the party had decided to go it alone after its demand for a “respectful number of seats”—reportedly 12—was not met by the October 14 deadline. In a move that could have far-reaching implications, Bhattacharya also announced that the JMM would “review” its alliance with the Congress and RJD in Jharkhand after the Bihar elections, alleging that JMM workers were being “cheated and duped.”
Congress-RJD Deadlock Leads to Solo List
The internal tussle over seat-sharing has been brewing for weeks, centered primarily on the RJD’s perceived “intransigence” toward the Congress’s demands. Senior Bihar Congress leaders had initially sought to contest at least 61 seats. However, the absence of nominees for constituencies like Maharajganj, Jale, and Narkatiaganj in the Congress’s list points to unresolved disputes with the RJD, which insists on claiming these seats. Congress leader Vijay Shankar Dubey had won the Maharajganj seat in the 2020 elections.
The delayed deal has also alienated smaller allies. The Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), led by Mukesh Sahni, was reportedly allocated only 15 seats despite demanding 25-30, with Sahni accusing larger allies of “feudal bargaining.” Left parties, frustrated over unmet demands for 15-20 seats, have also expressed deep disappointment.
BJP Pounces on the Chaos
The breakdown of unity offered a clear opportunity for the rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to launch a sharp attack. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya seized the moment, taking a direct dig at the alliance’s two biggest national figures.
“Rahul and Tejashwi’s arrogance is the real reason behind the breakup of the Mahagathbandhan,” Malviya wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He added with a snarky sign-off, “Bihar has been saved.”
The elections for the 243-seat Bihar Assembly are scheduled for November 6 and November 11, with votes to be counted on November 14. As the NDA appears to have successfully managed its own seat-sharing, the internal strife within the INDIA bloc presents a significant hurdle to its goal of unseating the ruling coalition.