Before the Bihar Assembly elections, an agreement has been reached on the distribution of seats in the Grand Alliance. According to sources, the almost final decision on the number of seats has been taken in the meeting that lasted till late last night. However, differences remain among the constituent parties regarding some seats. The issue of seat sharing has been resolved in a telephone conversation between RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav and the top leadership of Congress. It is believed that seat distribution will be announced soon.
According to sources, in the grand alliance, RJD is likely to get 135 seats, Congress 55, VIP 18, CPI (ML) 20, CPI 6, CPI(M) 4, JMM 2, RLSP 2 and IP Gupta 1 seat. Candidate adjustment formula will also be adopted for some seats. However, it is believed that the decision on 12 seats has still not been taken.
“Only the high command will decide…” Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel said on the CM candidate, see
Among the disputed seats, VIP has claimed RJD’s Sheikhpura, Simri Bakhtiyarpur, Bhabua, Barhara, Mahsi and Gauribaram seats. Congress has claimed RJD’s Baisi, Bahadurganj and Saharsa seats, while RJD has claimed CPI(ML)’s Ghosi and Paliganj seats. CPI has claimed RJD’s Harlakhi seat. JMM is expected to get Katoria and Manihari seats.
RLJP leader Pashupati Paras wants a seat in Kusheshwarsthan or Vaishali, provided the seat is given to Surajbhan Singh. According to sources, after consensus is reached on these disputed seats today, the grand alliance can make a formal announcement of seat sharing on October 12 or 13. Meanwhile, VIP chief Mukesh Sahni visited Tejashwi Yadav’s Polo Road residence on Saturday and had a long meeting.
Discussion continues on seat sharing in NDA
Meanwhile, discussions are going on regarding seat sharing in NDA. Today a meeting of top NDA leaders is being held in Delhi. BJP state in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan, Vinod Tawde, Samrat Chaudhary, Dilip Jaiswal, Rituraj Sinha and Mangal Pandey have reached Delhi. JDU leaders Lalan Singh and Sanjay Jha will also go to Delhi today. According to sources, NDA has agreed to give Govindganj seat to LJP (Ram Vilas), but BJP is still not ready to take Brahmapur seat. Upendra Kushwaha is staking claim on Bajpatti and Sheikhpura seats, while Jitan Ram Manjhi is said to be unhappy with being given less than seven seats and will meet BJP leaders today.
