Is this really democracy? HM Amit Shah quashes rift rumors on seat sharing in Bihar
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New Delhi, Oct 18 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday rejected the rumors of discord within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the lead-up to the Bihar Assembly elections, emphasizing that the alliance is both cohesive and operates democratically.
Addressing concerns about purported disagreements among NDA partners, HM Shah highlighted that internal dialogues and differing demands are typical in a democratic environment and should not be interpreted as conflicts.
“This is not a military organization but a coalition of democratic parties,” HM Shah remarked.
“They will certainly express their demands and opinions. If you label this process of making demands as a rift, then that perspective is misguided. Making demands is an inherent part of democracy. However, once a decision is reached, all members adhere to it in line with the alliance's principles,” he stated.
His comments came amidst reports of tensions regarding seat-sharing and candidate selection among NDA allies in Bihar, a region where the political stakes are notably high. HM Shah insisted that the alliance has managed these matters seamlessly this time, with few disagreements.
“All nominations have been submitted, seats have been assigned, and candidates have been selected,” he mentioned, asserting that the NDA has demonstrated organizational discipline and unity.
“If overseeing your own cadre or voter base is seen as a difference, then I believe that perspective is incorrect. In the NDA, nominations are in place, seats have been allocated, candidates have been identified, and no insubordination has occurred.”
In stark contrast, HM Shah criticized the opposition's INDIA bloc, suggesting it has not achieved the same level of clarity or unity.
“None of this has been accomplished within the opposition's INDIA bloc,” he remarked, implying that the rival coalition is still struggling with internal turmoil.
HM Shah’s statements reflect the BJP’s broader strategy of portraying the NDA as a stable and ideologically cohesive coalition, especially when compared to the INDIA bloc, which has faced public rifts over leadership and seat-sharing.
As Bihar emerges as a critical battleground ahead of the 2025 general elections, the NDA’s internal solidarity is being framed as a strategic advantage.