GRAND ALLIANCE STRIKES FRAGILE TRUCE IN BIHAR, BUT CONG–RJD SEAT DEAL STILL HALF-COOKED
Tejashwi Yadav projected as CM face; Mukesh Sahani’s VIP settles for 15 seats, but Congress–RJD formula awaits final seat.
As the 2025 Bihar Assembly polls approach, the opposition “Grand Alliance” (Mahagathbandhan) led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Indian National Congress (Congress) is grappling with internal seat-sharing talks, even while formally projecting RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate. Congress leaders have publicly indicated that Yadav is the alliance’s CM-face. (India Today)
Seat-Sharing Between Congress and RJD
Contrary to earlier media reports suggesting a 60-seat allotment for Congress, the formal distribution has not yet been conclusively finalised. Industry reports underscore that, as of mid-October, the seat-sharing remains in limbo: multiple constituencies already show both RJD and Congress fielding candidates, indicating unresolved arrangements. (India Today)
A tentative formula doing the rounds suggests RJD 135 seats, Congress 61 seats, but both parties have avoided confirming the final list. (Navbharat Times)
Mukesh Sahani’s VIP Finds Its Place
A crucial component of the alliance arithmetic, Mukesh Sahani’s Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) — influential among the Mallah/Nishad river communities — has finally been pacified. After earlier tension and speculation of a walkout, the VIP has reportedly been allotted 15 seats. (NDTV)
Sources suggest Sahani has also been promised a Rajya Sabha berth and two Legislative Council seats for his party. He publicly reiterated his commitment to the alliance, declaring that “ideology, not seat numbers,” will guide his participation. (India Today)
Fault Lines Remain
Despite these reconciliatory moves, the Congress–RJD deadlock persists. With the nomination deadline for the first phase already over, several seats have overlapping claims — a clear sign that backroom negotiations remain unfinished. (New Indian Express)
For Congress, the delay is politically awkward: while Tejashwi Yadav is being projected as CM-face, the party’s uncertain seat count is dampening internal morale. For the RJD, the challenge lies in managing allies without eroding its dominance or appearing inflexible.
The Bottom Line
At present, the Mahagathbandhan remains a work in progress rather than a fully stitched-up electoral pact. The VIP deal has averted an immediate split, and Congress has endorsed Yadav’s leadership, but the core seat-sharing matrix between RJD and Congress is still under wraps.
With nomination dates fast slipping by, the alliance risks public embarrassment and electoral confusion if the stalemate persists — precisely when it needs to project unity and purpose to take on the ruling NDA in Bihar.
