New Delhi/Patna, April 15 (NationPress) In a significant effort to strengthen the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for later this year, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav convened with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi in the national capital on Tuesday.

Post-meeting, Tejashwi Yadav characterized the discussion as “positive” and underscored the importance of unity within the opposition coalition.

“We deliberated on the strategy for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in 2025. The atmosphere was positive. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for April 17 in Patna with our Left allies, including CPI-ML, CPI, and CPI-M, to finalize our approach,” he informed reporters.

“We don’t disclose our strategy to the media, but one thing is clear: we are dedicated to advancing Bihar. For 11 years, Narendra Modi has held the position of Prime Minister. During this time, Bihar has faced injustices. After 20 years of governance, Bihar continues to be the most impoverished state, with the lowest per capita income and a peak in migration rates. We have always taken the initiative to highlight public concerns,” he added.

He affirmed the Mahagathbandhan’s preparedness by stating: “We are fully prepared and will contest with complete strength. The citizens of Bihar have decided to change the government.”

When questioned if he would be the chief ministerial candidate for the alliance, Tejashwi Yadav replied: “Why are you all so concerned about that? That’s our decision to make. Ultimately, the people are the real authorities. An INDIA alliance government will be established.”

Congress chief Kharge took to X to echo Tejashwi Yadav’s sentiments, asserting a shift in political momentum in Bihar.

“Today, we met Bihar's former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, and the meeting was positive. This time, change is inevitable in Bihar. In the forthcoming elections, we will present a robust, just, and welfare-oriented alternative for the people of Bihar. Bihar will be liberated from the BJP and its opportunistic alliance,” he posted.

He emphasized that the youth, farmers, and marginalized communities are all looking to the Mahagathbandhan for effective governance.

Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal, RJD Rajya Sabha members Sanjay Yadav and Manoj Kumar Jha, Congress's Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru, and other leaders were also in attendance during the meeting.

While specific details were not disclosed, sources confirm that seat-sharing discussions were a pivotal topic during the meeting.

In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, the RJD contested 144 of the 243 seats and secured 75, while the Congress contested 70 seats and won 19. The CPI-ML contested 19 seats and won 12, and the CPI and CPI-M contested 6 and 4 seats, respectively.

The Congress’s underperformance in the last elections has prompted calls within RJD and Left circles to reassess the allocation for 2025 to better align with ground realities.