Potential Third Front Emerging in Bihar Ahead of 2025 Assembly Elections
Digital Desk
Speculation is mounting over the formation of a third front in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. With NDA seat sharing finalized and the Mahagathbandhan still grappling with internal disagreements, political leaders are exploring a new coalition to challenge both fronts.
New Alliance Talks Underway
Efforts are reportedly in progress to bring together AIMIM, RLJP, Azad Samaj Party, and Tej Pratap Yadav’s Janshakti Janata Dal. If successful, this coalition could establish itself as a significant third force in Bihar politics.
AIMIM state president Akhtarul Iman and RLJP chief Pashupati Paras recently held discussions over phone regarding alliance strategy, seat-sharing, and a common political agenda. Both leaders emphasized the need for a credible alternative. Meanwhile, Tej Pratap Yadav’s party has been approached for participation, with him reportedly being considered as the face of the front. Talks are ongoing.
Paras Rejects RJD Merger Proposal
At a party meeting on Sunday, Paras stated that his party was offered four seats in the Mahagathbandhan, which he deemed insufficient. Reports also indicated that Lalu Prasad Yadav had proposed merging RLJP with RJD, but party leaders opposed the idea, suggesting instead that RLJP contest all 243 seats. Paras added that a final decision would be taken in a day or two.
He also noted that AIMIM and Chandrashekhar Azad’s party are in touch with RLJP, and that a formal announcement is expected by October 17, the last date for first-phase nominations.
Kushwaha Joins NDA
Former third-front leader Upendra Kushwaha, who contested the 2020 Bihar elections through the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) allied with BSP and SJDD, has now joined the NDA via his Rashtriya Lok Morcha. In 2020, Kushwaha’s third front had contested 99 seats but failed to secure any victories.
This evolving scenario signals a potential reshaping of Bihar’s political landscape, with a third front seeking to capitalize on discontent with existing alliances.