The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has put its alliance partners in the INDIA bloc on notice, demanding that a “respectable” share of seats for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections be finalized by October 14, failing which the party will make its own decision on contesting.
JMM central general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya stated on Saturday that the party is prepared to contest at least 12 assembly seats as an ally but is ready to go solo if its demands are not met before its central committee meeting on October 15.
“We are with the Mahagathbandhan and will contest the polls in alliance,” Mr. Bhattacharya told media persons. “We urge the leaders of Mahagathbandhan in Bihar to announce JMM’s share in the alliance at the earliest, as the nomination process has already begun.”
Citing Alliance ‘Dharma’
Bhattacharya stressed that the JMM expects reciprocal respect, noting the party’s accommodation of its partners in the Jharkhand elections.
“In Jharkhand elections, the JMM gave a ‘respectable share’ to its alliance partners—Congress, RJD, CPI (ML) L,” he said. He specifically highlighted that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) was given seven seats in the 2019 Jharkhand polls and was still accommodated with a ministerial berth despite winning only one seat. In the 2024 polls, RJD was given six seats (5% of Jharkhand seats), and one of its four winners was made a minister “as part of the alliance dharma.”
“So, we also expect respectable seats for JMM in the Bihar elections,” Bhattacharya added.
Deadline Set for October 14
The ultimatum is tied to the JMM’s internal political schedule. The party’s central committee meeting is scheduled for October 15.
“So, our seats should be allotted by then. Otherwise, we are free to make our decision in the central committee meeting. We are an independent political party and will not stand with folded hands,” Bhattacharya asserted.
He further warned that any confusion or delay could harm the entire Mahagathbandhan’s prospects. “We do not want any sort of confusion among the alliance partners, as it may give an opportunity to others to take advantage. There are several seats in Bihar where if we do not help them and our leaders do not campaign, it will cause a huge loss to the Mahagathbandhan.”