Patna: Preparations for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections are gathering pace, but cracks have begun to appear within the opposition INDIA bloc, locally known as the Mahagathbandhan, as seat-sharing negotiations intensify. Coordination among alliance partners is proving difficult, with competing ambitions and limited resources testing the unity of the coalition.
Under the leadership of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), five rounds of preliminary discussions have been held to decide the seat-sharing arrangement. Following the latest meeting, Tejashwi Yadav, former Deputy Chief Minister and head of the alliance’s coordination committee, stated that all partners had submitted their preferred seat lists. Yadav expressed optimism that an agreement would soon be reached through mutual understanding. However, internal sources suggest that finding a resolution may not be straightforward.
Among the more vocal participants is Mukesh Sahni, leader of the Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP), who on Tuesday declared via social media that his party would contest 60 seats. “Vikasheel Insaan Party will contest on 60 seats in 2025. Our alliance partners will contest on the remaining seats,” he wrote. Sahni went a step further, demanding the post of Deputy Chief Minister, claiming it would be a matter of pride for his community if a boatman’s son were to assume the role. His demands have raised eyebrows, as VIP currently holds no seats in the assembly—its four MLAs having defected to the BJP.
Analysts warn that such demands may upset the internal balance of the alliance, potentially prompting similar assertions from other smaller parties.
The RJD, the largest party in the coalition, remains in the strongest position. In the 2020 elections, it contested 144 seats and won 75. It is expected to retain or even expand its claim in the upcoming polls. Meanwhile, the Congress, which contested 70 seats and won 19 in 2020, is reportedly seeking around 50 this time. Left parties, too, have staked their demands—CPI has submitted a list of 24 seats, while CPI (ML), which won 12 of the 19 seats it contested last time, is aiming for 40–45 seats in 2025.
Observers caution that a delayed or imbalanced seat-sharing formula could lead to discontent at the grassroots level. Many smaller parties are demanding constituencies where they lack significant support, potentially undermining the alliance’s chances.
For Tejashwi Yadav, striking a balance between preserving RJD’s dominant position and accommodating the aspirations of allies may prove to be a major political test. Ensuring unity within the INDIA bloc while formulating a coherent and strategic electoral plan will be crucial in the months ahead.
