Bihar's Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) has almost finalized its seat-sharing formula for the 2025 assembly elections. Congress is likely to get 56-58 seats, RJD 145, VIP 18-20, and the Left parties 22 seats. Suspense continues over the CM face.
Bihar Election 2025: Political activities have intensified following the announcement of the Bihar Assembly election dates. The opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) has almost finalized its seat-sharing formula. According to sources, a long meeting of constituent parties was held late Sunday night at the residence of Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly and head of the Mahagathbandhan's Coordination Committee. A near consensus was reached on the seat-sharing formula during the meeting, but the suspense over the Chief Minister (CM) face still persists.
Tejashwi Yadav's Stance on CM Face
Mahagathbandhan leaders have stated that Tejashwi Yadav is conveying a message of change in Bihar this time. However, there has been no consensus among all parties regarding the CM face. This issue is crucial for the Mahagathbandhan's election strategy. The decision of whether or not Tejashwi Yadav will be the CM face could impact the alliance's vote share and political equations.
How Many Seats Might Congress Get?
According to sources, Congress within the Mahagathbandhan is likely to get 56 to 58 seats this time. RJD will have the opportunity to contest approximately 145 seats. Meanwhile, Mukesh Sahani's Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) could secure 18 to 20 seats. Additionally, the Left parties are expected to get 22 seats.
However, a final decision is yet to be made regarding the inclusion of Pashupati Paras's Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party and Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in the Mahagathbandhan.
Bihar Election Dates and Voting Process
Voting for the 243 seats of the Bihar Assembly will take place in two phases this time. In the first phase, voting will be held on November 6 for 71 seats across 16 districts of Bihar. In the second phase, votes will be cast for the remaining seats on November 11. Results will be declared on November 14. Following the announcement of the election schedule, political activity has surged in the state, and all parties are emphasizing their election strategies.
Prashant Kishor's Role
Election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor is active in Bihar this time. He will announce the candidates for his Jan Suraj Party on October 9. In a conversation with the media, Prashant Kishor stated that he might contest the elections himself if needed. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has already announced 11 candidates for the Bihar elections.
Impact on Mahagathbandhan's Electoral Equation
Following the finalization of the seat-sharing formula within the Mahagathbandhan, political activity in the state has increased. Efforts are underway to strike a balance among RJD, Congress, VIP, and Left parties. The seat-sharing formula will determine which party will field candidates in which constituencies and where the alliance's candidates will contest. This election strategy is considered crucial for the Mahagathbandhan's victory.
