For the ruling NDA, this infighting has been a political gift. With the ruling alliance projecting cohesion and discipline, the Mahagathbandhan’s disunity risks alienating voters who see it as a credible alternative
Perceived as a formidable challenge to the ruling NDA, opposition Mahagathbandhan in Bihar is currently grappling with internal chaos just days before the crucial withdrawal deadline for Assembly election nominations. What was meant to be a show of unity has spiralled into confusion, ego clashes, and competing ambitions among alliance partners.
Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal’s call to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday underscored the seriousness of the crisis. Senior Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru are in Patna to contain the fallout, even as leaders assured that a joint press conference on Wednesday would reaffirm unity. Yet, with Thursday marking the last day for withdrawal of nominations, the alliance continues to face “friendly fights” in at least a dozen constituencies—some of which have already closed nominations.
Seat-sharing remains the central flashpoint.
Asserting seniority, the RJD has declared 143 candidates while the Congress has fielded 61, leaving several overlapping claims unresolved. Smaller allies, including the Vikassheel Insaan Party and the Left, too have voiced dissatisfaction. Meanwhile the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has already exited the coalition after its seat demands were ignored. In several constituencies both Congress and CPI candidates are in the fray—splitting the anti-NDA vote and weakening the alliance’s chances.
The trouble runs deeper than mere numbers. The RJD has insisted on projecting Tejashwi Yadav as the Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial face—a position the Congress has hesitated to endorse. Sources say Rahul Gandhi’s silence on the issue during joint “Voter Adhikar Rally” last month surprised Tejashwi, who has built his campaign around the legacy of the caste survey initiated under Nitish Kumar’s government.
Apparently, the Congress leadership is divided on the issue. Some argue that not declaring Tejashwi as CM face would consolidate non-Yadav votes, others find the stance politically untenable. Behind the scenes, personality clashes and Delhi’s micromanagement have worsened matters. Congress chief Rajesh Ram and in-charge Krishna Allavaru have been accused by local leaders of “corporate-style functioning” and over-reliance on consultants, alienating grassroots workers. Some Congress insiders believe that appointing a more seasoned negotiator—perhaps someone like Bhupesh Baghel—could have prevented the standoff.
Adding to the perception crisis are allegations from within the RJD that tickets were being “sold for money,” eroding public confidence. For the NDA, this infighting has been a political gift. With the ruling alliance projecting cohesion and discipline, the Mahagathbandhan’s disunity risks alienating voters who see it as a credible alternative. The ongoing public infighting and disarray present a stark contrast to the more organized and united front projected by the rival NDA, political analysts to suggest the Mahagathbandhan is losing the “war of perception”.
