The nomination process for the second phase of the parliamentary elections has begun, and in Bihar, the opposition alliance is yet to make an official announcement regarding the seat-sharing strategy. Now, it's reported that a consensus has been reached on the formula, with an announcement likely today.
The seat allocation will be confirmed during a joint press conference scheduled for today at 12:15 PM at the RJD's office, with state-level leaders from both RJD and Congress, as well as Left parties, in attendance. The big question remains - whose influence will prevail in the agreement, Congress or Lalu's camp? The likely formula suggests Lalu's party may have the upper hand.
What will the seat-sharing formula look like?
According to the consensus, RJD is set to contest on 26 seats in Bihar and will also field candidates in two Jharkhand seats – Palamu and Chatra. Congress intends to battle in nine constituencies: Katihar, Kishanganj, Patna Sahib, Sasaram, Bhagalpur, Bettiah, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, and Maharajganj. CPI(ML) has been allocated Karakat, Ara, and Nalanda; CPI will represent Begusarai, and CPI(M) will stand in Khagaria.
RJD candidates will be seen across various constituencies including Aurangabad, Gaya, Jamui, Nawada, Saran, Pataliputra, Buxar, Ujiarpur, Jehanabad, Darbhanga, Banka, Araria, Munger, Sitamarhi, Jhanjharpur, Madhubani, Siwan, Sheohar, Vaishali, and more. Discussions were ongoing with Pappu Yadav for the Purnia seat which, however, has already been declared for RJD's Bima Bharti.
The dilemma over Madhepura for Pappu Yadav continues, and despite his assertions to contest from Purnia, and not considering Madhepura due to related risks, the emerging seat-sharing proposal appears to cast a shadow on his prospects from Madhepura as well, possibly falling under RJD's list.
