Patna: The first phase of nominations for the Bihar Assembly elections has ended, but the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) remains in turmoil. Despite weeks of negotiations, no consensus has been reached on seat-sharing, with only the Congress releasing a list of candidates — and even that has led to overlapping nominations with allies.
For over a week, leaders from Patna to Delhi were engaged in tense deliberations to divide the seats among the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP). Senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge even intervened to placate disgruntled allies, but the talks yielded no breakthrough.
In a dramatic turn, RJD, Congress, and VIP continued to distribute party symbols and file nominations until the final hours of the first phase. Both RJD and Congress have fielded candidates on five overlapping constituencies, while the CPI(ML) and Congress clashed on one.
VIP Chief Mukesh Sahni Declines to Contest, Rejects Rajya Sabha Offer
Adding to the confusion, VIP president Mukesh Sahni announced that he would not contest the elections this time. Rejecting Congress’s offer of a Rajya Sabha seat, Sahni declared that he was “not interested in the Upper House” and aspired instead to become Deputy Chief Minister.
Sahni, who was expected to file his nomination from Gaurabauram in Darbhanga, instead fielded his brother Santosh Sahni. He also named Bhogendra Sahni (Aurai), Umesh Sahni (Urban seat), and Prem Shankar Yadav (Gopalpur) as party candidates.
“I will not contest this election, but I’ll campaign to ensure the Grand Alliance forms the next government,” Sahni told reporters. Sources say the VIP may secure around 15 seats after last-minute negotiations.
Munna Shukla’s Daughter Gets RJD Symbol Amid Family Allegations
Meanwhile, RJD has awarded the Lalganj seat to Shivani Shukla, daughter of Bahubali (strongman) leader Munna Shukla. Shivani, who earlier accused the RJD leadership of neglect and favouritism, met former Chief Minister Rabri Devi on Friday before filing her nomination papers.
She claimed that the decision to field her came only after Tejashwi Yadav’s intervention on the final day. “If Tejashwi ji had not intervened, my ticket would have been cut,” she said. The Congress, in contrast, has fielded Aditya Kumar Raja from the same seat, further intensifying the alliance rift.
In another development, RJD MLA Reetlal Yadav, contesting from Danapur, has sought a four-week release through a petition in the Patna High Court. The court has directed the state government to file an affidavit in response.
Internal Discord Hits Congress as Tariq Anwar Questions Ticket Choices
Congress MP Tariq Anwar openly criticised his party’s candidate selection, particularly questioning the nomination of Trishuldhari Singh from Barbigha. The Congress has released its first list of 48 candidates, including Shakeel Ahmed from Kadwa and Rajesh Ram from Kutumba, covering constituencies such as Bettiah, Raxaul, Benipatti, and Bhagalpur.
