Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge spoke directly with Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday in an effort to resolve the seat-sharing impasse threatening Opposition unity ahead of Bihar assembly elections, sources confirmed.
Negotiation Status
With the first phase nomination deadline approaching, the inability of RJD and Congress to reach consensus has created uncertainty within the Mahagathbandhan alliance.
Sources indicate disagreements center on the number of seats allocated to Congress and disputes over traditional stronghold constituencies.
Seat Allocation Demands
RJD initially offered Congress 52 seats, which the party rejected, insisting on at least 60 constituencies.
RJD has reportedly agreed to 61 seats but resists ceding certain key constituencies Congress demanded, including Kahalgaon—an RJD stronghold—alongside Narkatiyaganj and Vasaliganj.
Constituencies including Chainpur and Bachwara were discussed but considered less contentious.
According to unconfirmed reports, Congress has agreed to settle for 61 seats, nine fewer than the 70 it contested in 2020, when it won only 19.
Alliance Distribution
RJD is expected to receive the largest seat share, though potentially fewer than the 144 it contested in 2020, when 75 candidates won.
Left allies including CPI(ML) Liberation, CPI(M), and CPI, along with former state minister Mukesh Sahani, will be accommodated in remaining seats of the 243-member assembly.
Strategic Positioning
Congress reportedly adopted an aggressive stance initially, believing Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Adhikar Yatra had boosted its state prospects. However, the party appeared to moderate its position subsequently.
Wednesday night, Congress released its first candidate list before finalizing seat-sharing arrangements. The move coincided with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav filing nomination from Raghopur assembly seat.
Reports emerged that Lalu Prasad Yadav distributed party symbols to RJD candidates at Rabri Devi’s residence Wednesday.
However, sources said symbols were withdrawn after Tejashwi Yadav returned to Patna following his Delhi meeting with Rahul Gandhi.
Timeline Pressure
State-level Congress-RJD talks reportedly stalled, shifting negotiations to national leadership. The outcome of Thursday’s telephonic discussion between Gandhi, Kharge, and Lalu Prasad remains awaited as the nomination deadline creates pressure for immediate resolution.
The seat-sharing agreement is crucial for Mahagathbandhan’s challenge to the ruling NDA alliance in November elections.
