The deadline for the first phase of nominations for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 has passed, yet the opposition Grand Alliance has not clarified its seat-sharing strategy. Tensions between RJD, Congress, Left parties, VIP, and other allies have now come to the forefront.
While leaders claim, "All is well within the Grand Alliance, and we are united in the election fight," reality shows coordination issues leading allies to contest against each other on multiple seats. Amidst a well-organized NDA with declared candidates and a clear strategy, the opposition’s disorganization is highlighted.
Currently, a "friendly fight" exists within the alliance over seven constituencies:
Lalganj, Vaishali, Rajapakar, Bachwara, Rosra, Bihar Sharif, and Gaudabauram
. Notably, both RJD and Congress have fielded candidates in Gaudabauram.
Read more: NDA Faces Major Challenge Before Bihar Elections as Chirag Paswan's Candidate Seema Singh's Nomination is Rejected
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RJD had previously suggested this seat would go to VIP, but the Election Commission has accepted nominations from both parties. If the RJD candidate does not withdraw by October 20, the alliance will see two candidates against each other. VIP has nominated Santosh Sahni, while RJD has fielded Afzal Ali Khan.
Clashes in Lalganj and Vaishali
In Vaishali, RJD nominated ex-JDU leader Ajay Kushwaha, while Congress backed Sanjeev Singh. The Lalganj seat faces a confrontation between Congress's Aditya Kumar and RJD’s Shivani Shukla, daughter of former MLA Munna Shukla.
Tensions with Left Parties
In Rajapakar and Bachwara, Congress and CPI face off. Congress selected Prakash Das for Bachwara, with CPI nominating ex-MLA Awadhesh Rai. At Rosra, Congress has put forth former IPS BK Ravi, competing against CPI’s Laxman Paswan. In Bihar Sharif, Congress's Umair Khan and CPI’s Shiv Prasad Yadav stand opposed.
Impact of Internal Conflict and Delays
Experts believe these disputes are products of delayed seat-sharing processes and internal disagreements. Congress unveiled a candidate list of 48 right before the nomination deadline, while RJD had already announced 46. CPI(ML) contested for 20, and VIP claimed 15 seats, creating overlap in several areas.
Read more: Bihar Elections: CPI(ML) Releases Candidate List, See Allocations
Differences Between VIP and RJD
The seat demands from Mukesh Sahni’s Vikasheel Insaan Party have stirred up new troubles in the alliance. Sahni initially sought 60 seats, reducing expectations to 15, against RJD’s proposition of at most 12. Sahni's demand for Deputy Chief Minister status further unsettles Tejashwi Yadav and RJD leadership.
JMM's Independent Election Declaration
Adding a twist, Hemant Soren's JMM announced independent contesting in Bihar, parted from the alliance. JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya stated they will independently contest six seats: Chakay, Dhamdaha, Katoria, Pirpaiti, Manihari, and Jamui, underscoring the alliance's weakened unity.
Disorder in Opposition, NDA Seizes Advantage
As the Grand Alliance battles seat allocation confusion, the NDA has set candidates across all 243 seats. With BJP, JD(U), LJP, and HAM division clear, analysts believe the opposition’s state may strategically benefit the NDA, potentially reflecting in the first phase voting on November 6.
Continuing Seat Conflicts in Second Phase
In the second phase, Congress and RJD both submitted nominations for the Jamui’s Sikandra constituency. Though allotted to Congress’s Vinod Chaudhary, ex-Assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary filed under RJD, further tangling the situation.
