Bihar Assembly elections 2025: RJD and Congress remain deadlocked over seat-sharing on 5 key constituencies including Kahalgaon and Saharsa. Dispute over CM face adds to alliance tensions as both parties negotiate hard ahead of polls.
The seat-sharing talks between Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections remain deadlocked, with disagreements persisting over five crucial constituencies. Despite multiple marathon meetings, both parties are unwilling to compromise, causing friction within the Mahagathbandhan alliance.
Five Constituencies Under Dispute
The seats at the center of the tussle include Baisi, Bahadurganj, Rani Ganj, Kahalgaon, and Saharsa. Historically, in the 2020 Bihar polls, RJD had contested from Rani Ganj, Saharsa, and Baisi, while Congress fielded candidates from Kahalgaon and Bahadurganj. However, both parties lost these seats in the last election.
This time, RJD wants Congress to cede Kahalgaon and Bahadurganj, while Congress demands RJD step aside in Baisi, Rani Ganj, and Saharsa. Neither side is ready to budge, making the seat-sharing negotiations increasingly complex.
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Rising Tensions Over Kahalgaon Seat
Sources reveal that RJD has already assured a Yadav candidate the ticket for Kahalgaon without consulting Congress, which has caused resentment within the alliance. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav recently launched his assembly poll campaign from Kahalgaon alongside Rajnish Yadav, considered a strong RJD contender. This move further aggravated Congress leaders, who feel sidelined.
In 2020, BJP’s Pawan Kumar Yadav defeated Congress candidate Shubhanand Mukesh by a significant margin in Kahalgaon, indicating the strategic importance of this seat.
CM Face Dispute Adds to the Rift
Beyond seat sharing, the choice of the Chief Ministerial candidate is another sticking point. RJD is firm on projecting Tejashwi Yadav as the alliance’s CM face. However, Congress remains hesitant, citing the party’s tradition of not announcing a CM candidate beforehand.
Additionally, some Congress leaders fear that declaring a Yadav CM candidate might alienate non-Yadav OBC voters, potentially benefiting the BJP. A senior Congress leader noted, “Similar concerns were raised in Haryana. BJP might exploit this issue to consolidate OBC votes.”
On the other hand, RJD maintains it is the largest party in the alliance and thus deserves the Chief Minister’s post, suggesting Congress and other partners can select their Deputy CM candidates.
Congress Finalizes Partial Candidate List
Despite the ongoing seat-sharing deadlock, Congress has finalized 25 candidates, including five sitting MLAs, for the Bihar elections. The party’s Central Election Committee (CEC) approved the list during a recent meeting in Delhi. Key names include Shakil Ahmed Khan (Katwa) and state president Rajesh Ram (Kutumba).
The remaining candidates are expected to be finalized after the Bihar Screening Committee meets, with the final list slated for release soon.