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Patna, October 21 (IANS) There has been a dramatic change in the political equations in the state after the nomination for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
The final picture emerging after the last date for withdrawal of nominations reveals a complex and interesting scenario.
The Grand Alliance (opposition India bloc) seat-sharing deal has come out in public, exposing serious internal rifts.
A total of 254 candidates from the alliance are contesting for 243 seats, reflecting the ongoing infighting among the allies.
In contrast, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has maintained remarkable unity.
Political observers describe this election not just as a battle for power but as a test of the strength and unity of the alliance.
Many believe that the NDA may benefit from the opposition’s lack of unity.
Within the Grand Alliance, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is contesting on 143 seats, Congress on 61 seats, Left parties on 33 seats, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) on 15 seats and IP Gupta-led Indian Inclusive Party (IIP) on three assembly seats.
However, the total comes to 255 seats, which exceeds the assembly’s limit of 243 seats – a numerical indication of the continuing discord.
With 255 candidates contesting the elections, political analysts say the allies will compete against each other in around 11 constituencies, potentially leading to a division of opposition votes and strengthening the NDA’s position.
Tejashwi Yadav-led RJD remains the dominant force in the alliance, contesting 143 seats or about 59 per cent of the total seats.
The party’s political strategy is built around its traditional Muslim-Yadav vote bank.
However, discontent among smaller allies has become evident.
In districts like Gaya, Munger and Siwan, local Congress workers have rebelled against RJD candidates, leading to expectations of friendly battles in many constituencies.
The Congress was allotted 61 seats, down from the 70 it contested in 2020, and is seeing increasing unrest.
Local leaders in Gaya, Banka, Munger and Siwan have protested against the seat-sharing distribution, with some filing independent nominations after being denied tickets.
In Munger district, a senior Congress leader rebelled against the official RJD candidate, reflecting the alliance’s deep uneasiness.
The Left Front, comprising CPI (8 seats), CPI-ML (21), and CPM (4), has a strong presence in areas like Arrah, Jehanabad, Siwan, and Gaya, where labor and youth issues dominate.
The Left party, which won 16 seats in 2020, is relying on its worker-youth agenda this time.
However, internal clashes with RJD and Congress candidates in some constituencies may blunt this ideological momentum.
Analysts warn that such divisions could prevent the left from fully capitalizing on its political base.
Mukesh Sahni’s VIP has been given 15 seats.
Sahni, a prominent voice of the Nishad community, had earlier demanded the post of Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, creating tension within the India block.
At a public rally, Sahni announced, “Nishad Bhai is angry with the NDA, we will become his voice.”
Still, political experts say VIP influence is largely confined to north Bihar, and internal clashes with RJD candidates in some constituencies highlight further rifts within the Indian faction.
Meanwhile, IIP leader IP Gupta, who has been given three seats, said, “We will fight for justice; a small beginning will lead to a big victory.”
The Grand Alliance is seeing a direct contest between its allies in at least 11 constituencies, including Kahalgaon, Vaishali, Bachhwara, Narkatiaganj, Gaura Bauram, Rajapakar, Rosera, Biharsharif, Warisaliganj, Darbhanga and Katihar.
Such overlapping nominations have raised questions over coordination and strategy within the opposition Indian faction.
On the other hand, the NDA – which includes the BJP (101 seats), JD-U (101), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (29), Hindustani Awam Morcha (six), and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha (six) – has finalized its seat-sharing arrangements with relative ease.
Although the NDA did not participate in the joint press conference, all the allies immediately started announcing candidates.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar started the election campaign by making development and stability an election issue.
Despite the initial revolt, the BJP managed to convince most of the dissidents to withdraw before the nomination deadline.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally intervened to restore order.
Leaders such as Shishir Kumar (Patna Sahib), Arjit Shashwat (Bhagalpur), Aniket Kumar (Gopalganj), and Amarendra Pandey (Buxar) withdrew their nominations as independent candidates, minimizing the risk of vote division.
This vote consolidation underlines the organizational discipline of the NDA.
–IANS
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