Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has alleged a massive rift within the opposition Mahagathbandhan alliance over seat-sharing for the upcoming assembly elections. Speaking at a press conference in Nagpur on Thursday, the Republican Party of India-Athawale (RPI-A) leader predicted that any breakdown in unity could hand a massive advantage to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), potentially paving the way for another term under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

With Bihar's 243-member assembly polls scheduled in two high-stakes phases on November 6 and 11, followed by vote counting on November 14, the timing of Athawale's comments couldn't be more explosive. The Mahagathbandhan, a coalition of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties, has been scrambling to finalize its seat-sharing formula amid growing tensions. Athawale didn't hold back, claiming internal disputes are boiling over, and if the allies fail to agree, they might splinter and contest solo – a scenario he says would splinter opposition votes and boost NDA's tally dramatically.

"It would be ideal if they sort out their differences and unite," Athawale remarked, but added with a wry smile, "However, if ego clashes lead them to go independent, it's a golden opportunity for us. We'll sweep more seats, and Nitish Kumar will return as CM with NDA's resounding victory." He emphasized the NDA's strong groundwork, including alliances with parties like the Janata Dal (United) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which have been aggressively campaigning on development and governance issues.

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Athawale also touched on his own party's modest footprint in Bihar, admitting RPI-A is a smaller player without aggressive seat demands. "We didn't push for contests; instead, we'll throw our full weight behind NDA candidates. I'll hit the campaign trail myself to rally support," he declared, highlighting RPI-A's focus on Dalit and marginalized communities, which could sway key voter blocs in rural constituencies.

Shifting gears to Maharashtra's brewing political storm, Athawale dismissed NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Supriya Sule's olive branch to Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for a potential tie-up with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). "No way that's happening smoothly," he quipped. "NCP (SP) might be open, but Congress will balk. Their high command in Delhi won't approve MNS's entry, leading to inevitable cracks in MVA. Watch for a full-blown split – it's Congress's internal dilemmas that will doom any consensus."

Athawale announced that RPI-A will host a grand national convention in Nagpur on March 8 next year, aiming to galvanize supporters and expand its outreach on social justice issues. As Bihar's poll fever intensifies, Athawale's warnings underscore the fragile nature of alliances, where one misstep could redefine the state's power dynamics for years to come. With NDA exuding confidence, all eyes are on whether Mahagathbandhan can patch up in time or crumble under pressure.

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