'Gandhi, Yadav's arrogance led to JMM's exit from INDIA': BJP
What's the story
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ascribed the "arrogance" of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal's (RJD) Tejashwi Yadav for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha's (JMM) exit from the Mahagathbandhan alliance. The JMM will now contest the Bihar Assembly elections independently. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said that Gandhi and Yadav's attitude led to this development.
Election strategy
JMM to contest in 6 constituencies
The JMM has announced its decision to contest the Bihar Assembly elections on its own. The party will field candidates in six constituencies: Chakai, Dhamdaha, Katoria (ST), Manihari (ST), Jamui, and Pirpainti (SC). Supriyo Bhattacharya, JMM general secretary, said they may increase their candidate count to 10. "The party has decided to contest the Bihar polls on its own," he said.
Campaign strategy
'No government will be formed without us'
The JMM also announced a list of 20 star campaigners for the Bihar polls, headed by Hemant Soren, JMM president and Jharkhand Chief Minister. Bhattacharya said that "infighting prevails in the NDA as well as the INDIA bloc," vowing to ensure no government is formed in Bihar without the JMM. "We will fight, win, and make sure that without the JMM, no government is formed in Bihar." After the elections, he said they would reconsider their coalition in Jharkhand.
Seat negotiations
JMM was earlier accommodated by RJD, Congress
The JMM had earlier asked for a "respectful number" of seats from the INDIA bloc by October 14, but was not accommodated with the seats they requested. "In the 2019 Jharkhand election, we had given our support to Congress and RJD. The party not only gave seven seats to RJD, but also made its MLA from Chatra a minister," Bhattacharya said. Meanwhile, Congress leader Udit Raj urged resolution of differences within the alliance, emphasizing unity against the central government.
Alliance tensions
Mahagathbandhan continues to struggle with seat-sharing
The Mahagathbandhan, which includes Congress, RJD, and Left parties, has been struggling with seat-sharing. This has led to allies fielding rival candidates in several constituencies. Despite senior leaders' appeals for unity, the coalition remains divided. The RJD agreed to give Congress 61 seats but wanted to keep important seats such as Kahalgaon, Vasaliganj, and Narkatiyaganj.
Election details
Bihar Assembly elections in 2 phases on November 6,11
The Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with the counting of votes on November 14. The entry of Mukesh Sahani's Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) further complicated alliance talks as it claimed 60 seats and the Deputy CM's post. Meanwhile, CPI(ML) Liberation rejected Tejashwi Yadav's offer of 19 seats, demanding over 30 after its strong performance in the previous election.