With the upcoming Bihar elections on the horizon, the political atmosphere is charged with strategic posturing. The current dynamics suggest the possibility of the Mahagathbandhan fracturing, similar to the events of the past. The Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) has announced that it intends to contest 60 seats. This presents a complex scenario, particularly given the RJD’s hesitance to allocate a considerable number of seats even to its key ally, the Congress party.
Both major alliances are embroiled in intense discussions regarding seat sharing. Smaller parties are making strong claims for increased representation. In 2020, Mukesh Sahani’s VIP was aligned with the Mahagathbandhan, but an agreement on seat distribution could not be reached. The outcome of the current negotiations with Sahani is of significant interest.
Mukesh Sahani, the founder of VIP, declared on social media that his party would contest 60 seats in 2025. This announcement has sparked speculation regarding the practicalities of such a move, especially considering that VIP is a member of the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan. The RJD seems reluctant to concede a significant number of seats, making it uncertain whether a regional party like VIP will secure the allocation it seeks.
Bihar has a 243-seat assembly. VIP’s decision to contest 60 seats, coupled with its demand that the Deputy Chief Minister hail from the Mallah community, points to Sahani’s ambition for the Deputy CM position.
Various other parties are also putting forth their demands. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) seeks to contest at least 12 seats. Pashupati Paras’s Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party, also, has expressed its intention to contest the elections. The Left parties, who collectively secured 16 seats in 2020, are aiming for more than 40 seats in the upcoming elections. The CPI-ML performed well, winning 12 seats in the last election.
The RJD plans to contest around 140-145 seats, while the Congress is seeking approximately 70 seats. However, the RJD appears to be considering offering only 50-55 seats to Congress, indicating challenges within the alliance.
In the 2020 assembly elections, the Mahagathbandhan saw varied results. The RJD won 75 seats out of 144, and Congress secured 19 out of 70. The Left parties collectively managed to win 16 seats. In the previous election cycle, the VIP and the Mahagathbandhan faced difficulties because of seat-sharing issues, where Sahani had sought 25 seats and the Deputy Chief Minister’s post.
The 2025 elections could mark a shift. Sahani has escalated his demands, now seeking 60 seats and making it public. Whether these pressure tactics succeed remains to be seen, but the Mahagathbandhan will undoubtedly face considerable difficulties in arriving at a consensus on seat sharing.