A significant rift has emerged within Bihar's Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) over seat-sharing ahead of the state elections, while allies failed to reach a consensus, leading to "friendly contests" on 8 seats. Congress, RJD, and Left parties are fielding candidates against each other in several constituencies, suggesting a potential breakdown of the alliance, while this situation raises serious questions about the political strategies and leadership of both Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
Tejashwi Yadav, while projecting Rahul Gandhi as a PM candidate, asserted his own CM claim, which Congress didn't publicly endorse, causing RJD discontent, while tejashwi's frustration grew after being denied a meeting with Rahul Gandhi in Delhi regarding seat-sharing. RJD supremo Lalu Prasad began allocating party symbols, prompting other allies to announce candidates. The failure to declare a seat-sharing formula by nomination close for Phase 1 highlights deep disagreements.
Growing Internal Discord
The decision by RJD to field a candidate against Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram in Kutumba assembly constituency has escalated tensions. Similar scenarios include CPI against Congress in Rosera, Rajapakar, and Biharsharif; CPI (ML) against Congress in Rajgir; Congress against CPI in Bachhwara; and RJD against Congress in Vaishali and Lalganj. Further compounding issues, JMM, a Congress ally, will contest six seats independently against Mahagathbandhan candidates. Internal dissent within Congress, with former MLAs alleging ticket distribution irregularities, further complicates matters.
Implications for INDIA Alliance
While the NDA appears united and has finalized its seat-sharing in Bihar, the INDIA alliance seems fragmented. This disarray casts doubts on Rahul Gandhi's ability to lead a cohesive front, especially given past questions about his leadership by figures like West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, while the BJP has consistently accused Rahul Gandhi of misleading people to avoid electoral defeat. Should this rift impact election results, both Tejashwi Yadav's future and Rahul Gandhi's leadership will face scrutiny, with repercussions for upcoming assembly elections in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, where Congress relies on its allies.
