Can the CPI(M) and Mahagathbandhan Unite to Protect Bihar's Constitution?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- INDIA bloc is finalizing seat-sharing for Bihar elections.
- The CPI(M) is optimistic about a united front against the NDA.
- Key leaders emphasize the importance of preserving constitutional values.
- Ongoing negotiations may resolve internal tensions within the alliance.
- Voter awareness of issues like corruption and communalism is critical.
Patna, Oct 9 (NationPress) As the INDIA bloc approaches the final stages of its seat-sharing discussions for the Bihar Assembly elections, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expressed optimism on Thursday that the coalition will present a united front and defeat the NDA to "save the Constitution".
This announcement follows the Congress's decision on Wednesday to nominate 25 candidates for constituencies they consider traditional strongholds, a decision made during a Central Election Committee meeting at Indira Bhawan, Delhi.
The meeting took place amidst ongoing negotiations for seat-sharing with major partners in the INDIA bloc, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal and various Left parties, attended by senior leaders.
While the remaining seats are expected to be finalized soon, there are ongoing speculations about internal conflicts during the discussions, especially concerning the selection of the Chief Minister’s candidate and deputy chief minister posts.
CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby reaffirmed the Left's commitment to collaborate with the INDIA bloc.
In an interview with IANS, he stated, "We will contest the elections unitedly. I won’t comment on seat-sharing at this moment. The Mahagathbandhan will emerge victorious, marking the beginning of the end for the BJP in Bihar."
Another CPI(M) leader, Ashok Dhawale, expressed optimism about reaching a resolution soon. He stated, "We will find a solution. Discussions are ongoing and should be resolved within the next two to three days."
He emphasized, "This election is crucial. On one side, we face vote theft, corruption, communalism, and policies detrimental to the public. On the other side is the Mahagathbandhan, representing our INDIA bloc, ready to tackle these issues. We are confident that despite attempts to buy votes by the NDA, this government must be removed at all costs."
CPI(M) MLA Ajay Kumar told IANS that the alliance is well-prepared and optimistic about winning. "We are fully prepared. The Mahagathbandhan will be formed, and we expect favorable results."
He noted that the number of seats contested by the party will be roughly similar to the previous election, with seat-sharing talks nearing completion.
CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya stated that negotiations are progressing. "Everything should be finalized in a day or two. More critical than the seats is the SIR assault, which has led to almost 10% of eligible voters being removed from the list," he remarked.
He warned that the electorate in Bihar is aware of what he described as an attack on constitutional institutions and the rights of ordinary citizens, marginalized communities, and the impoverished, predicting a strong public reaction at the polls.