PATNA: In a significant development, the two major partners of the Grand Alliance (GA) in Bihar, JD(U) and RJD, are reportedly on the verge of finalizing the allocation of Lok Sabha seats for the upcoming elections. Sources suggest that after a one-on-one discussion between Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav and CM Nitish Kumar, the seat-sharing issue is close to resolution.
According to a senior RJD leader, the seat-sharing arrangement is almost finalized, with RJD and JD(U) expected to contest 16 seats each. Congress is likely to be allocated five seats, and the Left parties are set to contest on three seats. However, minor discrepancies over specific constituencies are yet to be ironed out.
The GA leaders are working to address glitches related to a few seats that both RJD and JD(U) aspire to contest. While the seat-sharing formula appears to be settled, negotiations continue on the precise constituencies each party will target.
Sources indicate that JD(U) is firm on contesting 17 seats, emphasizing its track record from the 2019 LS elections. In the previous election, JD(U) contested 17 seats and secured victory in 16 in partnership with the BJP. If RJD and JD(U) both aim for 17 seats, the Left parties may need to compromise and settle for just one seat.
However, discussions are still ongoing, particularly regarding seats that JD(U) had contested and won in the past. RJD is reportedly eyeing constituencies like Jehanabad and Jhanjharpur. Additionally, while top leaders have agreed to allocate five seats to Congress, there are indications that the Congress party is pushing for a minimum of six seats.
A final announcement on seat-sharing is yet to be made, with discussions ongoing between the top leadership of RJD, JD(U), and Congress. The evolving scenario suggests that the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bihar will witness a closely coordinated effort from the Grand Alliance partners.
