Mahagathbandhan to Announce Seat-Sharing Today: RJD MLA

Digital Desk

The Mahagathbandhan is expected to announce its seat-sharing arrangements this evening, according to an RJD MLA from Maner who attended the parliamentary party meeting at Rabri Devi’s residence. The MLA told reporters that party members would be called later in the day for further details.

Outside the venue, supporters surrounded RJD supremo Lalu Yadav’s car, demanding a ticket for Saroj Yadav from the Barhara assembly in Ara. They warned that they would not raise the party flag if their demand was not met.

Santosh Kushwaha Likely to Join RJD

Former JDU MP Santosh Kushwaha is reportedly set to join the RJD and contest the Dhamdaha seat against Minister Laisi Singh. Kushwaha, a two-time MP from Purnia, had lost the previous election to Pappu Yadav. Sources suggest he may formally join the party later today.

Parliamentary Board Meeting Underway

The RJD parliamentary board meeting is currently underway at Rabri Devi’s residence in Patna, chaired by Lalu Yadav. The board is expected to finalise candidates for the first phase of the elections. Following the meeting, election symbols will be allotted to first-phase candidates, with distribution likely before October 12.

Congress Readies Candidate List Amid Tensions

Tensions continue between RJD and Congress over seat-sharing. Congress has reportedly given RJD an ultimatum to finalise the division soon, or it may start announcing its own candidates from October 13. The party has nearly finalised candidates for 13 constituencies. To manage election preparations amid the crisis, Congress has appointed leaders Ashok Gehlot, Bhupesh Baghel, Jairam Ramesh, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for a one-day visit to Patna, though they did not meet Lalu or Tejashwi Yadav.

Deadlock Over Seat Allocation

Seat-sharing negotiations remain tense. VIP leader Mukesh Sahni is demanding 20 seats, while RJD, Congress, and Left parties are negotiating a compromise of 12–15 seats. No agreement has been reached so far.

Left Parties Express Discontent

RJD has requested four seats from Left parties based on its internal surveys, including asking MDMK to relinquish the Tarari seat. Left parties, however, are unhappy with the proposed allocation, claiming stakes in constituencies such as Rupauli, Bachhwara, and Imamganj. Top leaders of MDMK, CPI, and CPM are currently in Bihar to resolve these disputes.

Security and Friction Updates

On Thursday night, strongman Ashok Mahato was denied entry to Rabri Devi’s residence while trying to meet Tejashwi Yadav, highlighting ongoing friction within the alliance.