With Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections, political parties are strategizing. The recent India Bloc (Mahagathbandhan) meeting was attended by key parties like the RJD and Congress. However, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a part of the ruling coalition in Jharkhand, was not invited, leading to speculation.
The JMM has reacted strongly to their exclusion. JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya clarified that they wouldn’t participate in any meeting against their will. He also asserted that the JMM will definitely contest the Bihar elections.
Bhattacharya stated that the RJD and Congress should remember the JMM’s commitment, especially when they supported the RJD with a single MLA. He implied that if JMM upheld the alliance in Jharkhand, RJD should reciprocate in Bihar.
The RJD responded that the meeting was for parties with the same ideology active in Bihar. They said the leadership would consider the JMM’s position at a suitable time. The RJD also suggested the JMM’s claims and pressure were not appropriate, noting that every party aims for more seats and wider reach to become a national entity. The RJD questioned the JMM’s base and leadership in Bihar.
The RJD advised patience, suggesting the JMM could contest all seats if they desired, highlighting the strong position of both parties. Seat-sharing within the Mahagathbandhan was acknowledged, with a call for patience.
The BJP, through CP Singh, commented on the matter, hinting at the JMM’s demands. Manoj Pandey, JMM spokesperson, said they plan to contest 16 seats, including Chakai, Katoria, Thakurganj, Kochadhaman, Raniganj, Banmankhi, Rupauli, Dhamdaha, Purnea, Jhajha, Chhatapur, Sonbarsa, Ramnagar, Jamalpur, Tarapur, and Manihari.