CPI(ML) rejects RJD’s offer of 19 seats in Mahagathbandhan, says all options are open

IThe Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) categorically rejected the offer of 19 seats made by the Rashtriya Janata Dal for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, branding it as an attack on its dignity.

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In the 2020 polls, the CPI(ML) had contested 19 seats winning 12 of them. Citing its strike rate, which was better than both the RJD and the Congress, it had been seeking at least 40 of the 243 seats as part of the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance). The RJD contested 144 seats and won 75, while the Congress contested 70 seats and won only 19.

While the CPI(ML) tally remains unchanged, the RJD asked the Left party to swap some of the seats it earlier contested on and has again laid claim on. “The dignity of CPI(ML) will not be compromised. A fair share of seats for us is crucial to ensure Mahagathbandhan’s victory. What is surprising is that the RJD is not understanding or willing to understand that,” a senior CPI(ML) leader said.

According to sources, the CPI(ML) has climbed down from its earlier demand of 40 seats and submitted a list of around 30 seats to the RJD on Tuesday afternoon. This list, a senior party leader said, is non-negotiable. “We will decide whether or not to continue in Mahagathbandhan based on the RJD’s decision. All our options are open,” the senior CPI(ML) leader added.

CPI(ML)‘s share in the coalition remains unchanged because the RJD has to accommodate Vikassheel Insaan Party (12). VIP was offered 12 seats, which is just one more than they contested in 2020, when they were in alliance with the BJP. Its national president Mukesh Sahni has made a pitch for a higher tally. Speaking to reporters in Patna on Tuesday, Mr. Sahni exuded confidence while claiming that seat sharing has been settled and will be announced in a day or two.

Meanwhile, intense negotiations are going on within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) too. BJP’s Bihar election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan, along with other party leaders, met Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan at his residence in Delhi. Mr. Pradhan was accompanied by BJP’s Bihar BJP in-charge Vinod Tawde and State Minister Mangal Pandey.