In Bihar Elections 2025, AIMIM left the Grand Alliance and planned a third front with RLJP, ASP, JJD. Muslim vote division challenges NDA and Grand Alliance, increasing the possibility of a triangular contest.
Patna: The fervor for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 is intensifying. Until now, the main contest in the state's politics was considered to be between the NDA and the Grand Alliance (INDIA bloc), but the recent possibility of a third front has stirred political circles. This time, predicting outcomes is becoming even more difficult due to new strategies and alliances in the election.
AIMIM's Separation from the Grand Alliance
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has moved towards forming a third front, disappointed with the Grand Alliance. Party's state president, Akhtarul Iman, clarified that they would not wait for a response from the Grand Alliance and are independently working on a new alliance strategy. AIMIM is considering including Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), Azad Samaj Party (ASP), and Tej Pratap Yadav's Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD) in this new front.
Division of Muslim Votes
In Bihar, approximately 17 percent of voters are Muslim, most of whom have traditionally voted for RJD. With AIMIM's active participation, Muslim votes could split in several regions, including Seemanchal. There are 24 seats in Seemanchal where AIMIM has a b base. In the 2020 Assembly elections, AIMIM marked its presence by winning 5 seats in these areas. If AIMIM does not join the Grand Alliance, this vote fragmentation could indirectly benefit the NDA.
AIMIM's Strategic Model
AIMIM is planning to adopt the Hyderabad model in Bihar. Under this model, the party had made a Hindu candidate the mayor to send a message of inclusivity to all communities. The objective is for voters from Muslim and other communities to unite for the alliance and strengthen the third front.
Activity of Other Parties
Besides the third front, other parties in Bihar are also striving to strengthen their position. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is contesting the elections alone, which could impact the Dalit vote bank. Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraj Party is also contesting independently. Furthermore, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced its intention to contest all 243 assembly seats. The activism of these parties is making the election even more competitive and triangular.
Third Front's Strategy
The alliance of AIMIM, RLJP, ASP, and JJD could bring a new turn in Bihar politics. The formation of a third front will not only split Muslim votes but also pose a challenge to both the NDA and the Grand Alliance. Political experts believe that if the third front becomes effectively active, election results could shift in unexpected directions.
A Triangular Contest Becomes Possible
The possibility of a triangular contest among the NDA, the Grand Alliance, and the third front has increased in the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. Due to this triangular contest, political parties will have to strengthen their strategies and election campaigns even further. The NDA will have to keep an eye on the Muslim vote bank this time, while the Grand Alliance will need to consolidate its traditional vote bank.
