The deadline for filing nominations for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections has passed, but the opposition INDIA bloc is yet to reach a consensus on seat-sharing.
As a result, multiple candidates from the alliance have filed nominations in more than 10 constituencies.
One of the key flashpoints is Kutumba, currently represented by Congress state president Rajesh Ram. The party has renominated him for the seat he has won twice in the past.
However, tensions have surfaced following reports that the RJD plans to nominate Suresh Paswan from the same constituency, leading to friction between the two allies.
Reacting to the development, Rajesh Ram posted on X, “Dalits will not bow down,” expressing his displeasure publicly.
His post read, “Dalits will not be oppressed – will not bow down, now there will be revolution. Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Constitution, Jai Congress.”
Several other constituencies have seen similar overlaps, with more than one INDIA bloc party fielding candidates.
In Gaura Bauram, Darbhanga, the RJD has fielded a candidate against VIP chief Mukesh Sahani’s brother Santosh Sahani. The RJD later clarified that the seat was allotted to VIP and assured that its candidate would withdraw.
A dispute is also ongoing between the RJD and VIP over who will contest from Tarapur in Munger.
Another contentious seat is Lalganj in Vaishali district, where the RJD has nominated Shivani Shukla, daughter of strongman Munna Shukla, while Congress has fielded Aditya Kumar Raja.
RJD and Congress candidates are also in direct competition in several other constituencies, including Vaishali, Rosera, and Kahalgaon.
Similar overlaps have occurred between CPI-ML and Congress in Bachhwara of Samastipur district, and Rajapakar of Vaishali district.
In Biharsharif of Nalanda district, both Congress’s Umar Khan and CPI’s Satish Yadav have filed nominations for this Muslim-Yadav dominant seat.
A particularly unusual situation has emerged in Alamnagar, Madhepura district, where a single candidate, Naveen Kumar, has filed nominations on behalf of both the RJD and VIP.
Amid the ongoing confusion, Congress leader Pawan Khera, CPI-ML General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya and RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari have claimed that the seat-sharing arrangement is nearly finalised and that any remaining misunderstandings will be resolved soon. However, party workers on the ground remain unsure about whom to support in the campaign.
If withdrawals do not occur by the final deadline of 21 October, this so-called “friendly fight” could result in a split in votes, potentially giving a clear advantage to the NDA.