RJD leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has been working tirelessly to secure victory in the upcoming assembly elections. Initially, his appeal extended beyond the party’s traditional Muslim-Yadav voter base, attracting youth disenchanted with party loyalties. However, the political landscape is shifting rapidly, and internal challenges are beginning to mount.
🤝 Rahul Gandhi’s Influence and Lost Momentum
Tejashwi’s growing trust in Congress leader Rahul Gandhi led him to publicly endorse Rahul as a future Prime Minister, echoing his father Lalu Prasad Yadav’s earlier support. But this alliance has cost Tejashwi valuable time. Rahul’s focus on alleged voter fraud diverted attention from core campaign efforts, and his sudden foreign trip during critical seat-sharing talks has left Mahagathbandhan partners frustrated.
⚠️ Seat-Sharing Deadlock and Rising Tensions
Despite a fortnight-long Voter Rights Yatra led by Tejashwi and supported by senior leaders from the alliance, Mahagathbandhan has yet to finalize seat distribution or announce a chief ministerial candidate. CPI and CPM have expressed dissatisfaction over delays, while VIP leader Mukesh Sahni is demanding 60 seats and the Deputy CM post—threatening to block Tejashwi’s CM bid if denied. Congress has linked its own Deputy CM demand to securing over 70 seats, and CPI(ML) has asked for 45 seats, further complicating negotiations.
🏛️ Congress’s Pivotal Role and Internal Strains
As the second-largest party in the alliance after RJD, Congress’s approval is essential for any forward movement. However, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge unwell and Rahul Gandhi abroad, decision-making has stalled. Congress has authorized Krishna Allavaru and the state president to lead discussions, but final decisions rest with Rahul.
The Election Commission has already arrived in Bihar to review preparations, and polling dates are expected to be announced within days. Yet, the alliance remains entangled in unresolved seat-sharing talks, despite multiple meetings.
📍 New Entrants and Regional Challenges
Mahagathbandhan now includes eight parties, with potential additions like IP Gupta’s Indian Inquilab Party. New partners such as RLJP, VIP, and JMM—none of which currently hold assembly seats—are demanding their share, forcing older allies to concede seats. Congress has raised concerns over receiving “bad seats” in the past and now seeks constituencies with better winning prospects, adding another layer of complexity.
🚨 Congress Drift and RJD’s Backup Plans
Frustration with Congress’s stance is growing among alliance partners. Past instances in Haryana, Delhi, and Maharashtra—where Congress broke away or delayed seat-sharing—have raised fears of a repeat in Bihar. If Congress pulls out, Tejashwi’s CM ambitions could face serious hurdles.
RJD is reportedly exploring new equations, while Mukesh Sahni is rumored to be leaning toward the NDA. Sources suggest BJP has offered Sahni a role in national politics, with Amit Shah drafting a seat-sharing formula. If Sahni switches sides, IP Gupta may join Mahagathbandhan, potentially easing seat-sharing tensions.
As Bihar inches closer to elections, the Mahagathbandhan’s internal discord threatens to derail its campaign, leaving Tejashwi Yadav at a political crossroads.