JMM Demands 12 Bihar Seats from INDIA Bloc, Threatens Solo Contest

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has issued a stern ultimatum to the INDIA bloc, demanding at least 12 "respectable" seats by October 14 or face the party charting its own independent path. Speaking to the media on Saturday, JMM central general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya emphasized the party's unwavering commitment to the Mahagathbandhan alliance but warned that delays could jeopardize the opposition's unity and electoral prospects.

Bhattacharya highlighted JMM's thorough preparations for the Bihar polls, underscoring the urgency as the nomination process kicks off. "We are with the Mahagathbandhan and will contest the polls in alliance," he stated firmly. "We urge the leaders of Mahagathbandhan in Bihar to announce JMM's share in the alliance at the earliest." He pointed to the party's track record of generosity in Jharkhand, where it allocated a "respectable share" to allies like Congress, RJD, and CPI(ML)-L, fostering a spirit of mutual support.

Drawing parallels to past collaborations, Bhattacharya recalled the 2019 Jharkhand elections, where RJD was given seven seats and won just one—the Chatra constituency—yet that sole MLA was elevated to a ministerial position for a full five-year term. "In the 2024 polls, we gave 5% of Jharkhand seats, which is six, to RJD," he added. "Out of four members who won the elections, one of them was made minister as part of the alliance dharma." This history, he argued, entitles JMM to reciprocal fairness in Bihar.

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The clock is ticking toward JMM's central committee meeting on October 15, where the party vows to decide its fate if seat-sharing remains unresolved. "So, our seats should be allotted by then. Otherwise, we are free to make our decision in the central committee meeting," Bhattacharya declared. "We are an independent political party and will not stand with folded hands." He stressed JMM's prowess in electoral battles, especially against the BJP, and cautioned that unresolved tensions could create exploitable rifts for rivals.

Bhattacharya's plea extends beyond numbers: he warned of tangible losses for the Mahagathbandhan in key Bihar seats without JMM's active involvement and high-profile campaigning from leaders like Hemant Soren. "We do not want any sort of confusion among the alliance partners, as it may give an opportunity to others to take advantage," he said. "There are several seats in Bihar where if we do not help them and our leaders do not campaign, it will cause a huge loss to the Mahagathbandhan."

As the INDIA bloc scrambles to hold its fragile coalition together, JMM's bold stance could either galvanize negotiations or trigger a seismic split, potentially reshaping the high-stakes Bihar battleground. With nominations underway and the BJP eyeing opposition disarray, all eyes are on whether the alliance can deliver on JMM's demands before the deadline hits.

Also Read: Hemant Soren’s JMM Stakes Claim to 12 Seats in Bihar Border Regions