Patna: The seat-sharing talks within Bihar’s Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) have hit a major roadblock, with Congress instructing its state leaders to prepare a list of potential candidates for all 243 Assembly seats. The move signals growing unease between Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), led by Lalu Prasad Yadav.
According to sources, Lalu Prasad Yadav distributed the party symbol to several RJD candidates on Monday. However, late at night, the allocation was reportedly withdrawn from multiple candidates amid rising tensions over seat-sharing.
Adding to the speculation, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi did not meet RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav during his Delhi visit. Instead, he held a 90-minute meeting with senior Congress leaders to discuss the evolving situation. The seat-sharing issue remained unresolved even after the meeting.
High-Level Congress Meeting in Delhi
A late-night meeting of Bihar Congress leaders took place at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Senior leaders were instructed to remain in Delhi for further consultations.
Sources said the Congress leadership has decided not to compromise on the “quality” of seats this time, hinting at its demand for a larger and more balanced share.
RJD May Contest Over 140 Seats
Despite the stalemate, reports suggest that RJD is eyeing over 140 seats, leaving around 60 for Congress. However, no official confirmation has been made. The indecision has created uncertainty among party workers in both camps.
Political Barbs on X Through Poetry
The disagreement between the two allies spilled onto social media. RJD’s Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha posted a poetic message on X, quoting, “Rahim, do not break the thread of love; if it breaks, it will never be found again; only a knot will be found.”
Responding in kind, Congress leader Srinivas BV wrote, “The city is on fire, but there is still a soul in the ashes; there are some people who are keeping love alive.”
Free Food for RJD Workers
Meanwhile, at the RJD headquarters on Veer Chand Patel Path in Patna, around 4,000 workers are being provided free meals daily. Party officials said the arrangement was made to accommodate the growing number of supporters arriving in the city amid election preparations.
‘Everything Will Be Clear in Two Days’
Tejashwi Yadav and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahni arrived on the same flight to Patna on Tuesday but avoided interaction. Speaking to reporters at the airport, Sahni said, “The announcement will be made by tomorrow or the day after. There is no resentment. The alliance was sick, not me. Everything is fine now.”
Tejashwi Yadav echoed similar sentiments, stating, “The announcement will be made in one or two days. There are no problems, everything is fine.”
Lalu’s Symbol Distribution Sparks Controversy
Lalu Prasad Yadav had distributed RJD symbols to ten candidates, including Bogo Singh from Matihani (Begusarai), Deepu Yadav (son of Arun Yadav) from Sandesh (Bhojpur), and Sanjeev Singh from Parbatta, who recently switched from the JD(U).
Reports suggest that Tejashwi Yadav’s candidature from Raghopur has been finalized, and he is expected to file his nomination on October 15.
As Bihar heads closer to election day, the growing rift within the Grand Alliance could reshape the political dynamics in the state.
