Recent political developments in Bihar, with upcoming assembly elections, have sparked speculation. A recent India Bloc (Mahagathbandhan) meeting excluded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), currently in power in Jharkhand and part of the coalition. This has led to questions about the strength of the alliance between Hemant Soren and Tejashwi Yadav.
Following their exclusion from the meeting, the JMM’s stance has hardened. JMM Central General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya stated that they would not force their inclusion in any meeting. He firmly declared their intention to contest the Bihar elections.
Bhattacharya emphasized that the RJD and Congress should remember the JMM’s respect for them, citing the support provided to the RJD when they had only one MLA. He asserted that the JMM had upheld coalition dharma in Jharkhand and expected the same from the RJD in Bihar.
RJD responded through Jharkhand RJD General Secretary Kailash Yadav, stating that the meeting was for parties of the same ideology active in Bihar. He added that the top leadership would consider the JMM’s case at the appropriate time. Yadav downplayed the JMM’s pressure tactics, acknowledging their desire to contest more seats to become a national party. He questioned the JMM’s ground support in Bihar and who leads the JMM in the state.
The RJD leader advised the JMM to be patient, suggesting they could contest all Bihar seats if they wished. He emphasized the strong position of both parties in Bihar and Jharkhand. While acknowledging potential seat-sharing in the Mahagathbandhan, he stressed the need for patience.
The BJP has also commented, with MLA CP Singh referencing a saying about needing a gun license to request a cannon, implying the JMM’s demands for 16 seats might result in only a few.
JMM Central Spokesperson Manoj Pandey confirmed their plan to contest 16 seats, including Chakai, Katoria, Thakurganj, Kochadhaman, Raniganj, Banmankhi, Rupauli, Dhamdaha, Purnea, Jhajha, Chhatapur, Sonbarsa, Ramnagar, Jamalpur, Tarapur, and Manihari.
