Bihar Grand Alliance Faces Internal Clash Ahead of Elections

The Grand Alliance in Bihar is showing signs of internal conflict ahead of the first phase of elections, with Congress, RJD, and other allies set to contest against each other on 12 key seats. This disarray has drawn criticism from the NDA and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan, who called out the opposition’s lack of coordination.

Seats with Direct Contests

Analysis of the candidate lists reveals six constituencies where Congress and RJD will go head-to-head: Vaishali, Sikandra, Kahalgaon, Sultanganj, Narkatiaganj, and Warsaliganj. Additionally, the CPI and Congress are clashing in four seats: Bachhwara, Rajapakar, Bihar Sharif, and Karghar. Mukesh Sahani's Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) and the RJD will contest against each other in Chainpur and Babubarhi.

Another notable contest is in Mahua, where RJD’s Mukesh Raushan faces off against Tej Pratap Yadav, Lalu Prasad Yadav’s estranged elder son, who now leads his own Janshakti Janata Dal. The family feud adds another layer of complexity to the already tense political scenario in Bihar.

Impact on NDA’s Prospects

Political analysts believe that these internal clashes could fragment opposition votes, potentially giving an edge to the BJP-led NDA in multiple constituencies. Chirag Paswan echoed this sentiment, stating that the Mahagathbandhan’s inability to finalize seat-sharing arrangements has given the NDA a “walkover on many challenging seats.”

Paswan added, "There is nothing called a friendly fight. Either you are friends or you are fighting against each other. If you are contesting polls against each other and targeting leaders, how can you expect this won't have an impact in other seats?"

Seat-sharing Talks Ongoing

Despite multiple rounds of meetings and back-channel discussions, the Grand Alliance has yet to formally announce its seat-sharing plan. The last date for withdrawal of nominations for the second phase ends on October 23, and key constituencies like Bachhwara, Rajapakar, and Bihar Sharif—part of the first phase—will definitely see direct clashes.