Why is Congress Pushing for More Seats in Bihar Elections?

The Congress party's Central Election Committee (CEC) convened a crucial virtual meeting on Wednesday to strategise seat-sharing and candidate selections for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, amid ongoing negotiations with ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Led by party president Mallikarjun Kharge and former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, the session focused on approximately 75 constituencies, signalling a firm stance from Congress against the RJD's initial proposal of just 54 seats. Sources within the Mahagathbandhan—the opposition grand alliance comprising RJD, Congress, and smaller parties—indicated that the CEC prioritised reviewing sitting MLAs' constituencies, aiming to lock in winnable seats before finalising the broader formula.

The Bihar elections, slated for November 6 and 11 in five phases across the 243-seat assembly, represent a high-stakes battle between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA)—anchored by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—and the Mahagathbandhan. The 2020 polls saw the NDA retain power with 125 seats, while the alliance managed 110, setting the stage for a fiercely contested rematch.

Congress, which secured nine seats last time, is leveraging its national revival under Kharge and Gandhi to demand a larger slice, arguing that its organisational strengthening and youth appeal warrant expansion. The RJD, led by former Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav, views Bihar as its stronghold, particularly among Yadavs and Muslims, and is wary of diluting its dominance in a coalition where it contested 144 seats previously.

Tensions in the talks reflect broader challenges for the INDIA bloc, which formed to counter the BJP nationally but faces coordination hurdles at the state level. Congress sources emphasised that the 75-seat demand includes safe bets in the Seemanchal and Magadh regions, where the party has historical footprints, and aims to accommodate allies like the Left parties.

RJD's counteroffer of 54 is seen as a starting point, with negotiations intensifying post the Election Commission's schedule announcement. A senior Congress leader noted that while amicable resolution is the goal, the party is prepared to go solo on key seats if needed, echoing past frictions in states like Maharashtra.

Also Read: Prashant Kishor Rejects Alliance With Chirag Paswan, Vows Solo Fight

As candidate lists are expected post-agreement—potentially within a week—these parleys could reshape the opposition's fortunes in Bihar, a state pivotal to national politics with over 7.6 crore voters. The NDA, meanwhile, has already announced candidates for over 100 seats, capitalising on welfare schemes like the Agnipath quota and infrastructure pushes. For Congress, a robust deal could bolster its resurgence narrative ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, while a stalemate risks fragmenting the anti-NDA vote. With the model code of conduct in force, all eyes remain on Patna for breakthroughs that could tip the scales in this eastern heartland showdown.

Also Read: NDA to Finalise Bihar Poll Seats After Crucial Chirag Paswan Talks