Patna: Just two weeks before the first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, political turmoil within the Mahagathbandhan has become a major talking point. An analysis of candidate lists reveals that direct contests are set to take place in at least 11 constituencies within the alliance itself – a clear sign of internal discord that has provided the NDA and Chirag Paswan with ample ammunition for criticism.
According to election data, the CPI and Congress are clashing on four seats, while the RJD and Congress are competing directly in six constituencies. Additionally, RJD and Mukesh Sahani’s Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) are fielding candidates for the same seat in Chainpur.
Seat Overlaps Reveal Cracks in Mahagathbandhan
The situation escalated after the RJD unveiled its list of 143 candidates on Monday, overlapping with Congress candidates in key districts such as Sultanganj, Narkatiaganj, Kahalgaon, Vaishali, Sikandra, and Warsaliganj. Meanwhile, the Left parties and Congress have locked horns in Bachhwara, Rajapakar, Bihar Sharif, and Karghar.
Party insiders hope the confusion will settle before October 23, the final date for candidate withdrawals for the second phase. However, the discord has already cast doubts over the alliance’s unity and preparedness.
Seat-Sharing Stalemate Deepens
Despite multiple backchannel discussions and high-level meetings, the Grand Alliance is yet to announce an official seat-sharing formula. The last date for nominations for the second phase is October 20, further highlighting the alliance’s struggle for coordination.
Adding to the drama, the RJD has fielded Mukesh Raushan against Tej Pratap Yadav – the estranged elder son of Lalu Prasad Yadav – in the high-stakes Mahua constituency. Tej Pratap, expelled from the party earlier this year, recently launched his own political outfit, the Janshakti Janata Dal, intensifying the Yadav family feud and the state’s political intrigue.
#WATCH | Patna, Bihar | On RJD fielding candidates in 143 seats, Union Minister Chirag Paswan said, “I have never seen such a thing in my life – such a big alliance on the verge of collapse… If the people of Mahagathbandhan are in this condition, what will happen when the elections actually begin?” Watch video here.
#WATCH | Patna, Bihar | On RJD fielding candidates in 143 seats in the Bihar Assembly elections, Union Minister Chirag Paswan says, "I have never seen such a thing in my life that such a big alliance is on the verge of ruins… If the people of mahagathbandhan are in this… https://t.co/zud2s1Cfui pic.twitter.com/Yyt70JTNPX
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2025
Analysts Predict NDA Advantage Amid Opposition Disunity
Political experts believe these internal rifts could significantly split the opposition vote bank, offering the BJP-led NDA a comfortable advantage in several constituencies. Chirag Paswan, leading the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), emphasized this during a media interaction on Monday.
“I’ve never witnessed an election where such a massive coalition is falling apart before it even begins. They can’t finalize seats, let alone candidates,” Paswan remarked, adding that his party is contesting on 29 seats.
Paswan further ridiculed the alliance’s claim of “friendly contests,” asserting, “A friendly fight does not exist in politics. Either you are allies or opponents. If you’re contesting against each other and attacking each other’s leaders, how can that not impact your campaign elsewhere?”
Mahagathbandhan’s Identity Crisis Deepens
Observers say the Mahagathbandhan’s inability to coordinate seat-sharing or manage leadership egos exposes a deeper identity crisis. With RJD’s aggressive stance, Congress’s defiance, and the Left’s uncertainty, the coalition’s dream of consolidating anti-NDA votes appears to be weakening fast.
Meanwhile, the NDA campaign led by the BJP, JD(U), and LJP (Ram Vilas) has been quick to capitalize on this chaos. Their narrative focuses on stability, governance, and leadership unity – in stark contrast to the opposition’s public infighting.
Conclusion: Advantage NDA as Bihar Awaits a Political Showdown
With just days left for the first phase of polling, the Bihar Elections 2025 are turning into a test of strategy, unity, and perception. While the Mahagathbandhan scrambles to resolve seat disputes, Chirag Paswan and the NDA have seized the narrative, portraying themselves as the only organized front capable of leading Bihar forward.
As the state braces for an intense political showdown, one thing is clear – the Mahagathbandhan’s internal disarray has given its rivals the perfect opportunity to dominate the election discourse.
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