The Bihar assembly elections are nearing, but the Mahagathbandhan is still grappling with the crucial issue of seat distribution. The Congress and RJD are locked in negotiations. The CPI and CPI(M) have requested a quick resolution, warning that delays could harm the alliance. The CPI has demanded 24 seats and CPI(M) has demanded 11 seats, totaling 35 seats. CPI-ML-Liberation has claimed 40 seats and submitted a list to the alliance coordinator.
The demands of various parties, including the Left and VIP, have made the situation difficult for Tejashwi Yadav. The Grand Alliance, which includes RJD, Congress and other Left parties, narrowly missed the majority in the last election, securing 110 seats out of 243. The VIP, led by Mukesh Sahani, is also seeking more seats and the position of Deputy CM. The Congress and RJD are trying to accommodate VIP by offering approximately a dozen seats.
The alliance is carefully analyzing seat distribution, with partners engaging in long discussions, assessing which parties can regain lost ground. They are closely examining the constituencies where the alliance lost in the previous elections, keeping in mind defeat margins and caste equations. Furthermore, Congress will increase OBC representation. Also, the number of Muslim candidates is expected to rise.