Patna, Oct 27 (NationPress) As the Bihar Assembly elections of 2025 approach, former Congress state president and Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh voiced strong optimism about the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) securing victory, noting that the public sentiment throughout the state is significantly leaning in their direction.

While acknowledging the delays in seat-sharing discussions and some errors in ticket distribution, Singh maintained that the Mahagathbandhan is entirely cohesive as they head into the elections. He emphasized that differences among coalition partners are typical in a large alliance, but insisted that these issues have not undermined the bloc's united front.

In a one-on-one interview with IANS, Singh shared that he has toured multiple constituencies and observed robust support for the alliance's candidates, particularly Tejashwi Prasad Yadav from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), who is the designated chief ministerial candidate.

Here are some highlights from the discussion.

IANS: How do you assess the public's mood?

Akhilesh Prasad Singh: Bihar is poised to deliver unexpected outcomes this election cycle. My visits to various constituencies in Nalanda and surrounding areas reveal that the voters are rallying behind the Grand Alliance. In regions like Nalanda, where Shravan Kumar has dominated for 25 years, there is now a shift towards supporting the Congress candidate. I am convinced that the electorate has chosen to back the Grand Alliance’s nominees. I foresee Tejashwi Prasad Yadav becoming the next Chief Minister of Bihar.

IANS: Why was there an absence of Congress leaders during the Chhath festival?

Akhilesh Prasad Singh: The party honors the cultural and spiritual sentiments of the populace. Today is Chhath, a deeply revered festival for the people of Bihari origin, celebrated with great devotion. Therefore, it isn't suitable to campaign on this auspicious day. While BJP leaders might proceed, we choose to refrain.

IANS: When can we expect top Congress leaders to initiate campaigning?

Akhilesh Prasad Singh: The campaign itineraries for our senior Congress leaders have been established. Rahul Gandhi will commence his campaign following Chhath. Our central leadership is waiting for the festival to conclude. Rahul Gandhi is slated to hold two rallies on October 29, one in Sakra and another in a constituency with an RJD candidate. Tejashwi Yadav will join him for these events. Additionally, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge will also be participating in the campaign.

IANS: What caused the delays in seat-sharing and ticket distribution?

Akhilesh Prasad Singh: The extended discussions with the RJD and Left parties led to these delays... but resolutions to the differences are underway. Yes, there were delays linked to coordination with our allies. In some constituencies, candidates from both RJD and Left are contesting, yet this is not a significant concern and will be sorted out soon.

IANS: Why the internal conflicts within Congress regarding ticket allocation?

Akhilesh Prasad Singh: Such matters are quite common in an election year. With a limited number of seats but numerous contenders—often 15 to 20 vying for a single seat—it’s expected that some individuals will be dissatisfied. While there may have been a few errors in ticket distribution, the overall unity of the Grand Alliance remains intact, and you will witness this solidarity in the forthcoming campaigns.