The seat-sharing negotiations within Bihar’s Mahagathbandhan alliance have hit a major roadblock, with the Congress party rejecting the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) offer of 52 seats for the upcoming 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. The impasse has shifted the spotlight to a high-stakes meeting between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav in Delhi, scheduled for October 13, which could determine the future of the alliance.
Sources close to the negotiation revealed that the Congress is demanding at least 60 seats, citing its performance in previous elections and its pan-Bihar presence. Talks between state-level leaders have reportedly stalled, prompting the Congress high command to summon senior leaders Krishna Allawaru, Rajesh Ram, and Shakeel Ahmed Khan to Delhi for consultations. The party’s Central Election Committee (CEC) is also expected to convene within 24 hours to finalize its strategy.
🧠 Seat-Sharing Breakdown: Mahagathbandhan 2025
| Party Name | Seats Demanded | Seats Offered by RJD | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Congress | 60 | 52 | Rejected |
| RJD | 140+ | N/A | Lead partner |
| JMM | 4 | 4 | Accepted |
| CPI(ML), CPI, CPM | 20 combined | 18 | Under review |
The deadlock has raised concerns about the unity and electoral preparedness of the INDIA bloc in Bihar, especially with nomination deadlines approaching.
📊 Timeline of Key Events in Mahagathbandhan Negotiations
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| Oct 5, 2025 | RJD offers 52 seats to Congress |
| Oct 10, 2025 | Congress rejects offer, demands 60 seats |
| Oct 12, 2025 | State-level talks suspended, leaders recalled to Delhi |
| Oct 13, 2025 | Rahul Gandhi–Tejashwi Yadav meeting scheduled |
Political observers believe the next 48 hours will be decisive for the alliance’s future.
🗣️ Reactions from Political Circles
- Congress Spokesperson Pawan Khera: “There is no hitch. Discussions are ongoing.”
- RJD Leader: “We respect Congress’s position but must balance alliance dynamics.”
- BJP Bihar Unit: “Mahagathbandhan is cracking under its own contradictions.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Congress Cadre | Support leadership’s assertiveness |
| RJD Workers | Concerned about alliance delay |
| Political Analysts | Warn of erosion in voter confidence |
| Voters in Bihar | Mixed views, some call for clarity |
The BJP and JD(U) are expected to capitalize on any visible rift within the opposition bloc.
🧾 Strategic Stakes for Congress and RJD
| Party Name | Strategic Goals | Risks if Deadlock Persists |
|---|---|---|
| Congress | Expand footprint, assert national relevance | Marginalization in alliance |
| RJD | Maintain lead role, avoid fragmentation | Loss of minority and Dalit votes |
| INDIA Bloc | Present united front against NDA | Credibility crisis |
The alliance’s ability to project unity will be critical in countering the BJP’s narrative of stability and development.
🧭 What to Expect from Rahul–Tejashwi Meeting
- Seat Recalibration: Possible upward revision to 56–58 seats for Congress
- Joint Campaign Planning: Shared rallies, manifesto coordination
- Conflict Resolution Mechanism: Setting up alliance coordination committee
- Public Messaging: Unified press statement to reaffirm alliance strength
The meeting is expected to be followed by a formal announcement on seat-sharing and campaign rollout.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified political statements, media reports, and party briefings as of October 13, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute political endorsement, legal opinion, or electoral prediction and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
