The political climate in Bihar is intensifying as the state gears up for the Assembly elections. The Congress party has unveiled its second list of candidates, further complicating the delicate seat-sharing negotiations within the Mahagathbandhan alliance. For the Narkatiaganj seat, Shaswat Kedar Pandey has been nominated, while Qamrul Hoda will contest from Kishanganj. Additionally, Irfan Alam, Jitender Yadav, and Mohan Shrivasta have been selected to run from Kasba, Purnia, and Gaya Town, respectively. This latest announcement injects a new dynamic into the pre-election political maneuvering.
A significant development has shaken the Mahagathbandhan: the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has decided to contest six seats independently, formally breaking away from the alliance. JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya stated that this strategic move stems from differences in approach among the alliance partners. The JMM intends to field its candidates in Dhamdaha, Chakai, Katoria, Manihari, Jamui, and Pirpainti. These constituencies are situated near the Jharkhand border and are home to a substantial tribal population.
According to political analysts, the JMM’s independent participation could potentially dilute the Mahagathbandhan’s strength, particularly in border regions and tribal-dominated areas. The resulting vote split could inadvertently favor the ruling NDA.
Despite these alliance fissures, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera conveyed a message of confidence. He assured that all internal agreements within the Mahagathbandhan have been finalized and that official communications will be released at the opportune moment. Khera’s statement suggested that agreements are in place, awaiting formal public announcement.
In parallel, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is projecting an image of unity and readiness. The alliance has cemented seat-sharing arrangements with its partners, including JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), RLM, and HAM, and has initiated campaign preparations across key electoral districts. A crucial meeting occurred when Chirag Paswan met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Patna to coordinate election strategies, underscoring a focused and cohesive campaign plan.
As the election timeline progresses, Bihar is bracing for a highly competitive political contest. Voting is slated for November 6 and 11, with the results expected on November 14. This electoral cycle is anticipated to be a critical juncture, potentially reshaping alliances and the political power balance in the state.