As Bihar gears up for its high-stakes assembly elections later this year, CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya has called for a pragmatic and inclusive approach to seat-sharing within the opposition INDIA bloc. In a candid interview on September 18, 2025, Bhattacharya emphasized that the Congress must adopt a “realistic” stance based on its past performance, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) should be “more accommodative” of smaller allies to ensure a united and effective challenge to the ruling NDA.
Bhattacharya’s remarks come amid ongoing negotiations between INDIA bloc constituents, including RJD, Congress, CPI(ML), CPI, CPM, and VIP, with potential entrants like LJP (Paras faction) and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) expected to join the alliance.
—
Seat-Sharing Dynamics in Bihar Assembly Elections 2025
| Party | Seats Contested in 2020 | Seats Won in 2020 | Proposed Seats for 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| RJD | 144 | 75 | ~130 |
| Congress | 70 | 19 | ~40–50 (proposed) |
| CPI(ML) Liberation | 19 | 12 | ~40 (proposed) |
| CPI | 6 | 2 | ~10 |
| CPM | 4 | 2 | ~8 |
| VIP | 11 | 4 | ~15 |
Bhattacharya noted that CPI(ML) has already submitted a list of 40 seats it wishes to contest, up from 19 in the previous election, reflecting its growing grassroots presence.
—
Dipankar Bhattacharya’s Key Statements
| Topic | Quote |
|---|---|
| Congress Seat Demand | “I saw reports about some Congress leaders seeking around 70 seats. But last time they contested 70 and managed to win only 19.” |
| RJD’s Role in Alliance | “RJD should be more accommodative of smaller allies as the INDIA bloc is likely to expand.” |
| CM Face of Alliance | “There is no ambiguity over Tejashwi Yadav being the bloc’s chief ministerial face.” |
| Timeline for Finalization | “I am hopeful that by the end of this month, we will have a clearer picture.” |
| Strategy for Congress | “Maybe contesting fewer seats than last time but winning more and performing better would be in the interest of the Congress.” |
Bhattacharya’s tone was firm yet constructive, urging all parties to prioritize alliance success over individual ambitions.
—
Historical Performance of Congress in Bihar Elections
| Year | Seats Contested | Seats Won | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 40 | 27 | 67.5% |
| 2020 | 70 | 19 | 27.1% |
Bhattacharya cited the 2015 elections as a benchmark, when Congress performed well with fewer seats, suggesting a similar strategy could yield better results in 2025.
—
Challenges in Seat-Sharing Negotiations
| Challenge Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Overambitious Demands | Risk of internal friction and dilution of alliance strength |
| Entry of New Allies | Requires recalibration of seat distribution |
| Legacy Disputes | Historical tensions between Congress and Left parties |
| Regional Strongholds | Overlapping claims in key constituencies |
| Time Constraints | Delays due to SIR agitation and voter roll revisions |
Bhattacharya acknowledged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) agitation had delayed talks but expressed optimism about reaching consensus soon.
—
INDIA Bloc Composition and Expansion
| Current Members | Potential Entrants |
|---|---|
| RJD | LJP (Paras faction) |
| Congress | JMM |
| CPI(ML) Liberation | AIMIM (under discussion) |
| CPI | |
| CPM | |
| VIP |
The bloc’s expansion could strengthen its electoral footprint but also complicate seat-sharing negotiations.
—
Strategic Recommendations by CPI(ML)
| Recommendation | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Congress to contest fewer seats | Improve strike rate and alliance efficiency |
| RJD to accommodate smaller allies | Ensure unity and avoid fragmentation |
| Early finalization of seat-sharing | Allow time for campaign planning |
| Focus on winnability over legacy | Prioritize ground strength and performance |
| Transparent communication | Build trust among constituents and voters |
Bhattacharya’s suggestions aim to balance ambition with realism, ensuring the INDIA bloc presents a cohesive front.
—
Conclusion: Pragmatism Key to INDIA Bloc’s Success in Bihar
Dipankar Bhattacharya’s intervention in the seat-sharing discourse underscores the need for strategic clarity and mutual respect among INDIA bloc partners. His call for Congress to be realistic and RJD to be accommodative reflects a broader sentiment within the alliance—that unity and pragmatism must override ego and entitlement.
As Bihar’s political landscape evolves, the success of the opposition will hinge not just on arithmetic but on chemistry. With Tejashwi Yadav positioned as the CM face and CPI(ML) pushing for greater representation, the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the alliance’s electoral roadmap.
—
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, verified political statements, and historical election data. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political endorsement or legal advice. All developments are subject to change based on official negotiations and party decisions.
