Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav has convened an emergency party meeting at Rabri Devi’s residence in Patna on Saturday at noon, as the Grand Alliance moves closer to finalising its seat-sharing arrangement ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. Senior party leaders and allies are expected to attend and share their views, with discussions also set to address issues surrounding Chirag Paswan’s uncle, Pashupati Kumar Paras.
The meeting comes amid significant political developments for the RJD. Former MP and strongman Suraj Bhan Singh is set to join the party on Saturday, accompanied by his wife Veena Devi and brother. Singh’s induction marks the third entry of a prominent Bhumihar leader into the RJD within a week, signalling the party’s strategic outreach to upper-caste voters. Reports suggest that Tejashwi Yadav will personally oversee their enrolment.
Veena Devi is likely to be fielded from the Mokama assembly constituency, where she is expected to take on Anant Singh. The RJD aims to leverage the influence of Suraj Bhan Singh’s family in the region to strengthen its foothold in the constituency.
Meanwhile, sources within the alliance indicate that the seat-sharing formula has been finalised and the distribution of constituencies among partners will be officially announced later today. Tejashwi Yadav, the party’s chief ministerial face, is reportedly planning to contest from two seats — Raghopur, his traditional bastion, and Phulparas.
On Friday, the RJD Parliamentary Party also met at Rabri Devi’s residence to discuss potential candidates. Senior leader Bhai Virendra said the party had unanimously authorised Lalu Prasad Yadav to make the final decisions on nominations. “We have full confidence that whatever the national president decides will be respected,” he said.
With consensus reportedly reached within the Grand Alliance, today’s meeting is expected to set the stage for the formal announcement of candidates and alliances, marking a crucial moment in the run-up to the Bihar elections.
