Ashok Gehlot described the differences in seat-sharing within Bihar's Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) as friendly. He stated that the alliance is b and all parties will collectively contest elections against BJP and JD(U). Gehlot is serving as a senior election observer.
Patna: Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot arrived in Patna and issued a clear statement regarding the ongoing disputes within the Mahagathbandhan. Gehlot said that differences on 5 to 10 seats are normal in the Mahagathbandhan, especially when the alliance is contesting elections on 243 seats. He clarified that these differences are not a dispute of any kind but a friendly contest. Gehlot stated that the objective of this alliance is to stand b against BJP and JD(U).
Described Friendly Contest as Normal
Speaking to the media, Ashok Gehlot said that it is natural for there to be differences over some seats in any large state-level alliance. He stated that this is a friendly contest and will not affect the strength or unity of the alliance. Gehlot also emphasized that it is important for the opposition to focus on all seats and contest the elections by strengthening the alliance.
Role of Allies within the Grand Alliance
Gehlot said that Bihar's Mahagathbandhan includes Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, RLSP, and other allied parties. He also stated that every party in the alliance has cooperated in electoral strategy and seat-sharing. A friendly contest on a few seats does not weaken the strength of this alliance. Gehlot affirmed that all parties are standing with full force in the electoral arena against BJP and JD(U).
Possibility of Meeting with Tejashwi Yadav
One of the objectives of Ashok Gehlot's arrival in Patna was to meet the leaders of Bihar's Mahagathbandhan and resolve the issues of friendly contests. Gehlot is likely to meet Bihar's opposition leader and RJD chief Tejashwi Yadav. Tejashwi Yadav is contesting elections from the Raghopur constituency, and Gehlot states that all confusion will be cleared after this meeting.
Gehlot's Role as Senior Election Observer
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has appointed Ashok Gehlot as the senior election observer for the Bihar Assembly elections. This appointment has been made in view of the first and second phase elections scheduled for November 6 and 11. Gehlot's task is to ensure that Congress candidates and Mahagathbandhan allies participate in the election process in a balanced and fair manner.
Bhupesh Baghel's Responsibility from Chhattisgarh
Along with Gehlot, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has also been appointed as a senior election observer. His task is to visit various districts and review election preparations and the list of candidates. Both senior observers will collectively provide guidance in the alliance's strategic decisions and election management.
List of Candidates Released
The Mahagathbandhan's ally RJD officially released its list of candidates for the Bihar Assembly elections on Monday. This list includes 143 candidates from across the state, including 24 female candidates. The list was released on the last day of nominations for the second phase. Gehlot stated that the announcement of candidates and preparations have been done in a completely transparent and fair manner.
Focus on Seats
Gehlot said that the Mahagathbandhan's main focus is on all 243 seats. He stated that it is important that all parties of the alliance continue to cooperate and put their full strength into the election. He emphasized that the issue of friendly contests within the opposition alliance will be resolved in due course and will not have any negative impact on the election results.
