In Bihar, the tussle for Lok Sabha seat-sharing between RJD and Congress saw a meeting on Tuesday after more than a week's tug of war and RJD's unilateral candidate announcements. Finally, former Deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav reached the residence of Mukul Wasnik, where Bihar's Congress chief Akhilesh Prasad Singh and state in-charge Mohan Prakash were present.
Despite the goal of an 'amicable agreement,' insider sources informed India Today that discussions are still very much alive, with another pivotal meeting scheduled for today where the seat allocation pact is expected to solidify. Indeed, as we near March 27, the excitement is palpable for potentially great news for the India block in Bihar.
Is everything smooth-sailing between Congress and RJD? Lalu Yadav's cryptic remarks in a recent encounter suggested it's time for the Gandhi family to consider a matrimonial alliance, hinting at Rahul Gandhi. Lalu emphatically stated that the Gandhis need to embrace matrimonial bonds soon. Later, a video surfaced showing Rahul Gandhi learning the culinary arts from Lalu Yadav.
'The coalition breakup rumors are being spread by the BJP,' reiterated Tejaswi after Tuesday's meeting at 48 Lodhi Estate, Delhi, insisting that there's a foundational understanding among the India block members. RJD, along with the Left parties and Congress, are united in combatting the BJP ideology. Together, we present a formidable challenge to the NDA.
'Pappu Yadav's litmus test?'
The entry of expelled RJD leader Pappu Yadav into the INDIA alliance triggered obstacles in the seat arrangement process. After the recent merger of Pappu Yadav's Jan Adhikar Party into Congress shook the RJD, leading to the immediate announcement of Bima Bharti's (recently joined RJD from JDU) candidacy from Purnia. This move was a setback for Congress as the seat had seemingly been earmarked for Pappu Yadav, who avowed, 'Purnia is my mother, and I shall not forsake her nor contend from anywhere else.'
Tejaswi and Lalu respectively offered counterproposals; however, no satisfactory response was received regarding the Purnia seat. Pappu Yadav, harboring hopes of negotiating with Congress leadership, faces a challenging path ahead.
The Difficulty in Seat-Sharing,
Congress had prepared a wish list for seats such as Nawada, East Champaran, Aurangabad, Katihar, and Purnia. RJD's announcements for Gaya (Kumar Sarvjit), Aurangabad (Abhay Kushwaha), Nawada (Shravan Kushwaha), and Jamui (Archana Ravidas) dashed their hopes.
RJD seemed willing to offer close to six seats to Congress to curry favor. A senior leader expressed concern over the potential diminishment of Congress, as the seats offered primarily encompass NDA strongholds. Thus, winning these would pose a significant challenge for Congress.
The Controversy Over Katihar,
The Katihar seat has become the root of the dispute between RJD and Congress. RJD sought the seat for its former Rajya Sabha MP Ashfaque Karim and Congress leader Tariq Anwar. The allocation of Katihar to Congress would severely limit bargaining opportunities for Purnia, leaving Pappu Yadav in a difficult position. As time wanes, both parties acknowledge the urgency to expeditiously finalize the seat allocation.
