New Delhi/Patna: With time running out before the nomination process begins, the Congress is set to hold a high-level meeting in Delhi today to finalize the seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge will chair the meeting, where sources say the final decisions on both seat distribution and candidate names will be made.
According to party insiders, the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) is likely to announce its seat-sharing formula on October 13. The Congress leadership has emphasized that “there is no time left” and urged all allies to reach a consensus quickly so that the nomination process can begin without delay.
Tejashwi Yadav, Rahul Gandhi May Meet Today
Following the Congress meeting, a one-on-one discussion between Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi is also likely. Sources suggest that 54 seats have been allotted to the Congress, but the party is demanding four more constituencies — Bachhwara, Aurai, Harlakhi, and Matihani.
However, the Left parties, particularly the CPI, are also claiming these seats. The Bachhwara seat has become a key flashpoint, with the Congress planning to field Youth Congress state president Shiv Prakash Garibdas, while the CPI has announced Awadhesh Rai as its candidate.
In addition, the Congress is pressing the RJD to part with Kahalgaon, Baisi, Saharsa, Bahadurganj, and Raniganj, but sources indicate that the RJD leadership is unwilling to give up its traditional strongholds.
Tension Over VIP’s Seat Demand
Meanwhile, the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) led by Mukesh Sahni is demanding 25 seats and the Deputy Chief Minister’s post, even though the RJD has so far offered 14 seats. Sahni is also seeking the Vaishali and Harnaut constituencies, further complicating the alliance talks.
Emergency Congress Meeting Held on Saturday
On Saturday, the Congress held an emergency virtual meeting to review its position before the Delhi discussions. The meeting, conducted via Zoom, included screening committee members, senior observers from Delhi, and several potential candidates for direct interviews.
Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram confirmed that “all issues, including seat-sharing,” were discussed in detail. “The seat-sharing formula is almost finalized. It will now be announced collectively by the Grand Alliance. The Congress has already shortlisted its candidates,” he said.
The coming 48 hours are expected to be crucial for the Mahagathbandhan, as alliance partners rush to finalize seats and names before the Election Commission’s nomination deadlines begin.
