Is CPI-ML Contesting 40 to 45 Seats in Bihar Assembly Polls?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CPI-ML claims 40-45 seats for upcoming elections.
- Previous election saw them winning 12 out of 19 seats.
- Push for greater influence within the Grand Alliance.
- Campaign yatras planned across key regions.
- Seat-sharing discussions will be crucial for opposition unity.
Patna, June 10 (NationPress) As the Bihar Assembly elections approach, set for October–November 2025, the Communist Party of India–Marxist–Leninist (CPI-ML) is intensifying its efforts within the Mahagathbandhan by asserting its claim to 40–45 seats.
CPI-ML General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya revealed intentions to contest 40–45 seats, which is over double the 19 seats they contested in 2020, where they achieved a notable victory in 12, demonstrating a significant strike rate.
“We are gearing up to contest 40 to 45 seats in the Bihar assembly election 2025,” Bhattacharya stated during a media interaction on Tuesday.
The CPI-ML is set to present its position strongly in the Grand Alliance Coordination Committee meeting on June 12 in Patna.
This bold seat demand puts additional pressure on the Rashtriya Janata Dal, which has historically held a dominant position in the alliance.
This strategy might alter internal seat-sharing dynamics, necessitating the RJD and the Congress to recognize the CPI-ML's increasing influence.
Additionally, the CPI-ML is organizing campaign yatras named “Badlo Sarkar, Badlo Bihar” from June 12 to 27 in four significant regions: Shahabad, Magadh, Champaran, and Tirhut.
The party aims for extensive mobilization efforts through rallies and meetings in Barachatti, Warsaliganj, Rajgir, and Bihar Sharif from June 11 to 14.
The CPI-ML’s assertiveness indicates its ambition to be recognized as more than a minor ally, seeking both negotiating power and visibility.
The outcome of the seat-sharing discussions in the Grand Alliance could significantly affect opposition unity against the NDA.
In the previous election cycle, a miscalculation occurred when the VIP was sidelined, leading its leader Mukesh Sahani to join the NDA, which adversely impacted the Mahagathbandhan and Tejashwi Yadav.
On the NDA front, smaller factions such as the Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha are also applying pressure on the BJP for a more substantial role in seat-sharing.
Both alliances are currently experiencing political pressure from smaller parties seeking to expand their influence.