Will the Bihar Assembly Elections Spark More Tensions in the Opposition Grand Alliance?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As the Bihar Assembly elections draw near, the Opposition Grand Alliance faces rising tensions over seat-sharing. CPI-ML claims 40 seats, intensifying the struggle among coalition partners. How will these demands shape the election landscape?
Key Takeaways
- Seat-sharing disputes are causing tensions within the Grand Alliance.
- CPI-ML has staked a claim on 40 Assembly seats.
- The alliance includes several major parties, including RJD and Congress.
- The outcome of these negotiations could impact the 2024 elections.
- Past performances of CPI-ML strengthen its bargaining power.
Patna, Sep 8 (NationPress) With the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections looming, the matter of seat-sharing has reignited tensions within the Opposition Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan).
Following demands from the Congress and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) for a greater allocation of seats, the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation (CPI-ML) has claimed a stake in 40 Assembly seats, thereby escalating the internal conflict within the coalition.
During a press briefing in Motihari on Monday, CPI-ML Bihar State Secretary, Comrade Kunal, announced the party's request.
He revealed that a list detailing the 40 constituencies they wish to contest has been compiled.
This list has been submitted to the coordination committee of the Mahagathbandhan.
Comrade Kunal emphasized that CPI-ML's involvement has fortified the alliance in both the Lok Sabha and previous Assembly contests.
"Wherever our candidates have run, both CPI-ML and the Grand Alliance have gained. Thus, we have officially claimed 40 seats in the Grand Alliance," he stated.
The Mahagathbandhan, which encompasses the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, CPI-ML, VIP, CPI, and CPI-M, is currently facing competing demands.
In the prior Bihar Assembly elections of 2020, CPI-ML secured 12 out of 19 contested seats, making it the third largest faction in the Grand Alliance.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, its candidates showed strong performance in the Shahabad region, winning the Ara and Karakat seats, further enhancing its negotiating leverage.
The leadership of the Grand Alliance, particularly the RJD and Congress, now confronts the challenge of equitable seat distribution while avoiding internal discord.
Both Congress and Mukesh Sahani's VIP, along with CPI-ML, have submitted ambitious requests, placing pressure on RJD and its leader Tejashwi Yadav.
Congress has already expressed its aim to contest 70 seats, mirroring the number of seats it contested in the 2020 Assembly elections.
VIP Chief Sahani is asking for 60 seats and has positioned himself as a potential Deputy Chief Ministerial candidate from public platforms.
In the 2020 Assembly elections, Congress contested 70 seats but only managed to win 19.
Mukesh Sahani's VIP was part of the NDA previously, contesting 11 seats and winning just four Assembly seats.
Point of View
It is evident that the dynamic shifts among coalition partners in the Opposition Grand Alliance highlight the complexities of electoral strategies in Bihar. While competing demands can lead to internal strife, they also reflect the evolving landscape of regional politics. It is crucial for the coalition to navigate these challenges carefully to ensure a united front in the elections.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main parties in the Bihar Grand Alliance?
The main parties include the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation (CPI-ML), Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), CPI, and CPI-M.
How many seats did CPI-ML win in the last Assembly elections?
In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, CPI-ML won 12 out of the 19 seats it contested.
What is the significance of the seat-sharing issue?
The seat-sharing issue is critical as it reflects the internal dynamics and unity of the Grand Alliance, which is essential for their electoral success.
Who is leading the CPI-ML's demands?
The CPI-ML's demands are being led by its Bihar State Secretary, Comrade Kunal.
What are the current challenges facing the Grand Alliance?
The Grand Alliance is facing challenges in balancing seat distribution while addressing the ambitious demands of its partner parties.
