BIHAR BATTLE: Seat talks with partners still on, parties go ahead with nomination on strongholds

As talks on seat-sharing formula drag on in the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan, political parties are giving clearance to their candidates to file their nomination papers by Monday.

The RJD has already cleared names of more than 50 candidates, most of whom are sitting MLAs. The list includes Sarwajit Kumar and Sameer Mahaseth, sitting MLAs who were ministers in the then Nitish-RJD government.

“Candidates have been asked to file their nomination, but they have to be prepared to withdraw it if their seats are allocated to any other alliance partner,” said Birendar Yadav, RJD MLA from Maner in rural Patna. He stressed that all seats where their candidates are filing nomination are scheduled to go to the poll in the first phase, and have been approved by the allies.

Around 30 BJP leaders — including ministers Nitish Mishra, Jeewesh Mishra and Nitin Navin — have been asked to file their nomination. “All these names have received clearance from the central leadership,” said a senior BJP leader.

“The JD(U) has also cleared the name of ministers Bijendar Yadav, Shrwan Kumar and Lesie Singh. The party is now waiting for the official confirmation for the seat-sharing arrangement,” said a JD(U) MP.

Why the delay

The ruling NDA as well as the Opposition have failed to reach a complete understanding on seat distribution. On Saturday morning, the RLM chief said talks on seat-sharing remained inconclusive, while Kushwaha flew back to Delhi for talks.

“Never trust the seat-sharing formula shown by the media. The meeting is on and once it is over, seats will be announced in a joint press meet,” said BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal.

It is learnt that the RLM is upset that it was being given less than five seats. Meanwhile, Chirag Paswan’s LJP has toned down its rebellious stance. Chirag on Friday even spoke about his ‘deep respect’ for PM Modi.

In the Mahagathbandhan, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is still struggling to satisfy allies VIP and CPI(ML). The JMM is not also satisfied with two seats.

“The seat-sharing agreement is getting delayed due to technicalities,” said Independent MP Pappu Yadav, alleging the RJD was asking for some Congress seats.

Besides, the AIMIM has announced that they would contest 32 seats. The AIMIM’s essentially-Muslim support base is in the Seemanchal region. “We will be like the third force,” said Akhtarul Iman, state president of AIMIM.

Jan Suraaj founder targets Tejashwi, Samrat

• Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor kicked off his election campaign from the Raghopur seat, which is currently held by Tejashwi Yadav.
• He assured voters that he would work for their welfare and end their problems, while urging them to refrain from voting on the caste basis.
• He said Lalu and Tejashwi's residence was shut for common supporters and ticket-seekers as money had been taken from aspirants.
• On reports Tejashwi might contest from 2 places, Kishor said he would meet the same fate as Rahul Gandhi who contested from two seats in 2019 & lost Amethi.
• He urged BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary & Mangal Pandey to announce their seats so that his party could pick suitable candidates.