Cracks Emerge in Mahagathbandhan Amidst Seat-Sharing Disputes

Junata Dal (United) leader Ashok Choudhary declared the Mahagathbandhan alliance shattered, accusing the Rashtriya Janata Dal of inequity towards Congress. Meanwhile, Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal slammed the alliance, citing infighting and corruption. The RJD announced candidates while JMM formally exited the elections.

Janata Dal (United) leader and Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary on Tuesday pronounced the "complete collapse" of the Mahagathbandhan alliance, accusing the Rashtriya Janata Dal of dishonesty in seat-sharing discussions with Congress. He commended Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's campaign efforts, suggesting his work is garnering positive support in favor of the NDA.

The Bihar assembly elections for 243 seats are set for November 6 and 11, with vote counting scheduled for November 14. Choudhary highlighted apparent discord within the Mahagathbandhan, reflecting on the prolonged, inconclusive seat-sharing negotiations as evidence of a fractured alliance. He criticized the RJD's approach to Congress as lacking integrity.

Meanwhile, Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal accused the Mahagathbandhan of exchanging election tickets for money and cited ongoing internal disagreements. He questioned the alliance's competence in managing a government if they can't resolve their seat allocations, while criticizing Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's use of "Jan Nayak," traditionally associated with Bihar's former CM, Karpoori Thakur.

On Monday, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) announced its 143 candidates, marking a conclusion to the drawn-out seat-sharing dialogue within the alliance. Despite this, the Mahagathbandhan faced a setback as the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha officially withdrew from the race, leaving the RJD to contest 143 seats, Congress 61, CPI ML 20, and the remainder expected to go to Mukesh Sahani's VIP party.