Mahagathbandhan seals deal on seat-sharing, announcement likely tomorrow

New Delhi: Despite the Bihar Assembly elections beginning in less than a month’s time, two big alliances of the state – Mahagathbandhan and BJP-led NDA are yet finalizing the deal with their allies. Reason behind is the fight for bigger share of seats in NDA while RJD-led grand alliance is unable to convince its allies over Tejashwi Yadav as the right CM candidate.

Assembly poll nominations has already begun but the two biggest alliances have not announced any official candidate.

However, top sources confirm that ‘Mahagathbandhan’ has been almost finalised seat-sharing with Congress and may announced the list of candidates tomorrow. Top Congress sources told a news agency, “Seat-sharing arrangements have been agreed to and are likely to be announced tomorrow in Patna.”

As per reports, Rashtriya Janta Dal has held its sway over allies Congress and Left. It is likely to contest on 145 seats and accommodate Vikassheel Inssan Party. Congress party is likely to contest on 70 seats while the Left front including CPI, CPI(M), and CPI (ML) are likely to contest on 30 seats. For Balmiki Nagar Lok Sabha by-election in Bihar, RJD and Congress are still in talks and consensus evades them as both want to contest this seat.

NDA leaders have also met in Patna a couple of times but the final deal on seat-sharing is yet to happen. However, sources it may announce the seat-sharing formula with JD(U) and LJP before October 4.

In the first phase of Bihar assembly elections, 71 seats will go to polls. There are a total of 243 seats in the state.

The Election Commission officials are busy doing the ground work of conducting 1st elections in the backdrop of Coroanvirus pandemic.