The Grand Alliance, a significant political coalition in Bihar, is currently grappling with a severe seat-sharing deadlock. This internal discord is creating widespread discontent among its allies, particularly due to multiple candidates vying for the same seats. As the election dates draw closer, this lack of consensus poses a serious threat to the alliance’s prospects.
At least eight seats have emerged as major points of contention, with proposed seat swaps further fueling the disagreement. The situation remains fluid, and as of Saturday evening, no clear picture of the final seat allocation for the Grand Alliance had been established.
Specific constituencies like Lalganj, Vaishali, Rajapakar, Rosera, Biharsharif, Bachhwara, Tarapur, and Kahalgaon are at the center of these disputes. Discussions for Jaley and Kutumba are also ongoing among INDIA bloc partners, as both the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress have nominated candidates for these seats.
For instance, in Lalganj, Shivani Shukla of the RJD is in direct competition with Congress nominee Aditya Kumar Raja. Similarly, Vaishali sees a contest between RJD’s Ajay Kushwaha and Congress’s Sanjeev Singh. The situation is replicated in other seats such as Rajapakar, Rosera, Biharsharif, Bachhwara, Tarapur, and Kahalgaon, where candidates from allied parties are pitted against each other.
Adding to the complications, a state Congress chief has accused RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav of undermining the alliance, particularly concerning the Kutumba seat. The RJD has nominated Suresh Paawan, while the Congress has its sitting MLA Rajesh Ram contesting from the same SC-reserved seat, highlighting the deep-seated issues.
The nomination process has been further complicated by allegations of faulty seat swaps. RJD district leaders have pointed out instances where seats traditionally held by their party have been allocated to allies like the CPI(M), citing a lack of strategic planning that could inadvertently benefit the ruling NDA.
The alliance’s inability to effectively manage these internal rivalries at the ground level is a significant concern. While national leaders may project an image of unity, the ground reality reveals a struggle to reconcile local ambitions with the overarching political strategy. This internal competition could divide votes, potentially aiding the ruling alliance in securing these seats.
The INDIA bloc had positioned itself as a strong, united front against the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar. However, with the elections approaching, this failure to enforce discipline and resolve internal conflicts could severely undermine its narrative and electoral performance. How the alliance navigates these challenges in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the final outcome of the elections.