Is the RJD-Congress Rift Worsening as Candidates Emerge from Lalganj?
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Synopsis
Tensions rise within Bihar's Grand Alliance as the RJD and Congress field candidates for the Lalganj Assembly seat, raising questions about their unity. With ongoing disputes over seat-sharing, the future of the alliance remains uncertain, highlighting deeper rifts that could impact the upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- Shivani Shukla files as RJD candidate for Lalganj.
- Congress had already designated its candidate.
- Ongoing tensions highlight issues in the Grand Alliance.
- Seat-sharing negotiations remain unresolved.
- Previous performance of Congress affects the current discussions.
Patna, Oct 17 (NationPress) The persistent discord within the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) was highlighted on Friday when Shivani Shukla, the daughter of the influential leader Munna Shukla, submitted her nomination as a candidate for the RJD from the Lalganj Assembly seat in Vaishali district. This development occurred despite the seat being designated for the Congress as per the alliance's agreement.
The Congress had previously declared Aditya Kumar Raja as its official nominee for Lalganj.
However, tensions escalated at the sub-divisional office when Raja arrived to file his papers, accompanied by Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan, known as Pappu Yadav.
After successfully filing her nomination, Shivani Shukla expressed her gratitude towards RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav for the opportunity to contest on the RJD ticket.
Shortly thereafter, a confrontation erupted between supporters of both factions, creating chaos in the vicinity.
Authorities intervened to restore order.
This incident has reignited serious concerns regarding the cohesion and collaboration within the Grand Alliance in Bihar.
With the initial phase of nominations concluding on Friday, the seat-sharing dynamics within the alliance remain contentious.
Insiders suggest that the deadlock is attributed to the Congress's demand to contest 70 seats, mirroring its participation in the 2020 Assembly elections, during which it secured only 19 seats—a modest strike rate of 27 percent.
RJD leaders, spearheaded by Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, are reportedly hesitant to replicate the previous arrangement, contending that the Congress's lackluster performance hindered the Grand Alliance from achieving the crucial majority of 122 seats last time.
Top officials from the alliance, including Tejashwi Yadav, Dipankar Bhattacharya (CPI-ML), and Mukesh Sahani (VIP), engaged in multiple discussions with Congress leaders in Delhi until October 15 to finalize the seat distribution.
Despite extensive negotiations, a consensus has yet to be established.
Both Tejashwi Yadav and Mukesh Sahani reportedly awaited until Thursday before the announcement of the final agreement, but the talks ended inconclusively, exacerbating the uncertainty within the Grand Alliance.
Point of View
The ongoing discord within the Grand Alliance in Bihar serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in coalition politics. The current rift indicates that if the parties cannot resolve their differences, they may face significant challenges in the upcoming elections. It underscores the need for unity and strategic decision-making in a politically charged environment.
NationPress
17/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the rift between RJD and Congress in Bihar?
The rift escalated when Shivani Shukla filed her nomination as an RJD candidate for the Lalganj seat, which had been allocated to Congress, leading to tensions and chaos.
Who are the key leaders involved in the seat-sharing discussions?
Key leaders include Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav from RJD, along with Congress representatives and other regional leaders.
What are the implications of the ongoing tensions for the Grand Alliance?
The unresolved issues and candidacies could threaten the unity of the Grand Alliance and its chances in the upcoming elections.
How many seats does Congress want to contest?
Congress aims to contest 70 seats, the same number it contested in the 2020 Assembly elections.
What was the result of Congress in the last elections?
In the 2020 Assembly elections, Congress won only 19 seats, reflecting a strike rate of just 27 percent.
