Are Bihar Elections in Chaos? Grand Alliance Allies at Odds Over Eight Seats
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Synopsis
The Grand Alliance in Bihar is facing turmoil as internal disputes over seat sharing have led to eight candidates competing against each other. This disarray raises questions about their unity and effectiveness in the upcoming elections. Can the alliance overcome these challenges and present a united front against the NDA?
Key Takeaways
- Grand Alliance lacks consensus on seat sharing.
- Eight candidates competing among themselves.
- Internal disputes may weaken their electoral chances.
- Parties are in disarray as nomination deadlines approach.
- Efforts by leadership to mediate have stalled.
Patna, Oct 18 (NationPress) Despite the conclusion of the initial nomination phase, the Grand Alliance in Bihar remains unable to finalize a consensus on seat sharing. Consequently, eight candidates from within the alliance are now in direct competition with each other, revealing significant rifts in the opposition coalition.
The nomination process for the first phase of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections wrapped up on Friday, yet the Grand Alliance — which includes the RJD, Congress, CPI, CPI-ML, CPIM, and VIP — has not officially disclosed its seat-sharing plan.
Even with the nomination deadline having passed, the distribution of seats among the allied parties remains unclear.
Internal conflicts have hindered the coalition’s ability to coordinate effectively.
To date, the Congress has put forth a list of 48 candidates, while the CPI(ML) has announced 18 candidates.
This disarray has resulted in a scenario where allied parties are competing against one another right from the outset of the elections.
In at least eight constituencies, members of the Grand Alliance have registered opposing candidates.
The RJD has nominated Shivani Shukla, the daughter of influential figure Munna Shukla, for the Lalganj seat.
Shivani, along with her mother Annu Shukla, submitted her nomination shortly after receiving the party emblem.
However, the Congress has also put forward Aditya Kumar Raja for the same constituency, leading to a direct intra-alliance contest in Lalganj.
In addition to Lalganj, RJD’s Ajay Kushwaha is pitted against Congress’s Sanjeev Kumar in Vaishali.
In Tarapur, RJD’s Arun Shah faces off against VIP’s Sakaldev Bind.
In Bachhwara (Begusarai), CPI’s Awadhesh Rai is vying against Congress’s Garib Das.
On Gaura Bauram, RJD’s Afzal Ali is in a contest with VIP’s Santosh Sahani.
In Rajapakad, CPI’s Mohit Paswan is up against Congress’s Pratima Das.
In Rosera, CPI’s Laxman Paswan is competing against Congress’s B.K. Ravi, alongside another seat where members of the Grand Alliance are at odds.
Instead of uniting against the NDA, the Grand Alliance members seem to be engaged in infighting, sending a perplexing message to their supporters and potentially undermining their electoral prospects.
For the past ten days, discussions have intensified from Patna to Delhi over the seat-sharing arrangements.
Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly attempted to soothe several disgruntled leaders, but their endeavors did not produce any tangible results.
As the deadline loomed, chaos ensued — parties began assigning election symbols without formal announcements, and candidates rushed to file their nominations at the last moment.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize that the Grand Alliance's current state reflects broader challenges faced by opposition coalitions in India. The infighting and lack of coordination among allies not only jeopardize their electoral prospects but also send mixed messages to their supporters. It remains to be seen whether they can resolve these issues and unite effectively against the ruling NDA.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the disarray in the Grand Alliance?
The Grand Alliance is facing internal conflicts over seat sharing, which has led to candidates from different parties competing against each other in the elections.
How many candidates from the Grand Alliance are in direct competition?
There are currently eight candidates from the Grand Alliance locked in direct contests against each other due to the lack of a consensus on seat sharing.
Which parties are part of the Grand Alliance?
The Grand Alliance consists of the RJD, Congress, CPI, CPI-ML, CPIM, and VIP.
What impact could this infighting have on the elections?
The infighting could weaken the alliance's electoral prospects and send a confusing message to their supporters, potentially benefiting the NDA.
What steps are leaders taking to resolve the issues?
Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge have attempted to mediate the disputes, but their efforts have not yet produced a successful outcome.
