Are BJP's hopes truly dashed? Congress' Pawan Khera responds to Bihar seat-sharing rift reports

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pawan Khera dismisses claims of rifts in the Mahagathbandhan.
- BJP's expectations regarding seat-sharing are being challenged.
- The JMM demands a minimum of 12 Assembly seats.
- The JD(U) highlights internal conflicts within the Mahagathbandhan.
- Congress withholds support for Tejashwi Yadav as a CM candidate.
Ranchi, Oct 12 (NationPress) Congress leader Pawan Khera on Sunday rejected claims of issues within the Mahagathbandhan concerning seat-sharing for the Bihar Assembly elections, asserting that the BJP's aspirations are being "dashed". This statement comes in response to the BJP's accusations of an internal conflict regarding seat-sharing agreements.
Moreover, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a vital ally in the INDIA coalition, has declared its intention to make independent decisions for the Bihar elections if it does not secure a "respectable share" of at least 12 Assembly seats.
While addressing reporters in Ranchi, Khera stated, "There is no complication or snag. Discussions will occur first, followed by the announcement of seats. Thus, the Bharatiya Janata Party's assumption of complications is being proven wrong. Everyone has the right to express their opinions, and all parties do so. There is no complication on our side."
He further commented on the JMM's demands regarding seat-sharing in Bihar, emphasizing, "We are all contesting the elections together."
At the same time, the JD(U) has sharply criticized the Mahagathbandhan, pointing out the existence of an "internal rift" within the alliance as the elections approach.
In a statement to IANS, JD(U) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan indicated that a "huge turmoil" exists within the Mahagathbandhan concerning the Chief Minister's position, despite the alliance's awareness that the NDA is likely to form the government in Bihar.
Ranjan remarked, "There’s a huge turmoil within the Mahagathbandhan. There’s no issue within the NDA. All decisions have been finalized. In a few hours, the picture will become clearer."
He also claimed that the Congress is not endorsing RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as the alliance's Chief Ministerial candidate, recognizing the ground realities and believing that the NDA will again govern under Nitish Kumar.
"Rahul Gandhi is well aware of the ground realities. They believe that this time too, the NDA government will be formed under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. Tejashwi is determined to position himself as a CM candidate, but Congress is ignoring this stubbornness," he added.
"Within the Mahagathbandhan, some are maneuvering for the Chief Minister's role, while others are vying for the Deputy Chief Minister's position. They are even clashing over seat-sharing, despite being clear that this will never materialize," he concluded.