In the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the CPI released its first list of candidates even before seat-sharing discussions. This move has escalated tensions within the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance). The party aims to field candidates on more than six seats and will release its second list soon.
Bihar Election 2025: Preparations for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 are in full swing, but tensions over seat-sharing have intensified within the INDIA alliance (Mahagathbandhan). The Communist Party of India (CPI) has released its first list of candidates even before an agreement on seat-sharing was reached. This move by the party has created a situation of disagreement within the alliance. In political circles, it is being viewed as “pressure politics”.
CPI Releases First List
In an official letter issued from Patna, the CPI has made public its first list of six candidates for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. The list includes Ramratan Singh from Teghra, Suryakant Paswan from Bakhri (SC), Awadhesh Kumar Rai from Bachhwara, Sanjay Kumar from Banka, Rakesh Kumar Pandey from Harlakhi, and Ram Narayan Yadav from Jhanjharpur. The party has stated that all these candidates will be provided with the official election symbol and have been declared candidates of the INDIA alliance.
Second List to be Released Soon
The CPI has also clarified in its letter that the party will soon release a second list. This list will declare candidates for the Goh, Kargahar, Beldaur, Biharsharif, Rajapakar (SC), Kesaria, Chanpatia, and Vikram seats. However, the party added that names for these seats will only be finalized once a consensus is reached within the INDIA alliance.
Strategy to Contest More Than 6 Seats
The first list clearly indicates that this time, the CPI aims for more than six seats for itself. Last time, the party contested six seats in the Bihar Assembly elections and won two. However, by mentioning eight additional assembly constituencies, the party has now made its intention clear that it will demand a larger share this time. This is also seen as a strategic move by the CPI to secure more seats within the alliance.
Tensions May Escalate in Mahagathbandhan
The CPI's move within the INDIA alliance could become a headache for other parties. Parties like the RJD and Congress have not yet been able to make a final decision on seat-sharing. In such a situation, the CPI's announcement of its candidates could increase tension within the alliance. Political analysts believe this move is part of the CPI's “pressure politics” to gain a ber position in negotiations.
Performance of CPI and Left Parties in 2020 Elections
In the Bihar Assembly Elections 2020, the performance of the Left parties was b. The CPI(ML) won 12 out of 19 seats contested, which was the best performance among the Left factions. The CPI fielded candidates on six seats in that election and won two. Based on this, the party now believes it deserves a significant role in the Mahagathbandhan.
Legacy to Continue from Harlakhi
This time too, the CPI has put its trust in old and reliable faces. From the Harlakhi seat, the party has nominated Rakesh Kumar Pandey, son of former MLA and state secretary Ram Naresh Pandey. This move signals the continuation of the party's “political legacy”. Meanwhile, veteran leader Ram Narayan Yadav has been given another opportunity from the Jhanjharpur seat, where he is considered a b local candidate.
All Eyes Now on RJD and Congress Regarding Seat-Sharing
Now, all eyes are on the reaction of the RJD and Congress. The challenge for both parties is how they handle the CPI's decision. If no consensus is reached within the alliance, the seat-sharing and candidate selection process could become even more complicated. This could also affect the unity of the opposition alliance.
