INDIA bloc kicks off seat-sharing talks in Bihar ahead of assembly elections

Speaking briefly to reporters after the meeting, Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition and chair of the bloc's coordination committee, said:

The opposition INDIA bloc in Bihar has officially begun discussions on seat-sharing for the upcoming state assembly elections, with top leaders holding a six-hour closed-door meeting on Saturday at Tejashwi Yadav’s residence in Patna.

The meeting was attended by leaders from the RJD, Congress, Left parties, and the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP). The session focused not just on how to divide seats among the alliance partners, but also on forming a coordination committee and building safeguards against alleged electoral manipulation during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter rolls.

'Seat-sharing talks have begun': Tejashwi confirms alliance in motion

Speaking briefly to reporters after the meeting, Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition and chair of the bloc's coordination committee, said:

“Yes, seat-sharing talks have begun. But I cannot divulge more details now. The deliberations are an internal matter and we will make things public when things are finalised.”

Yadav is widely expected to be the chief ministerial face of the INDIA bloc in Bihar.

Tejashwi slams Nitish government, accuses NDA of ‘copying’ RJD ideas

The RJD leader also launched a scathing attack on the NDA government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, calling it a “copycat regime” that lacked original thinking.

“They are stealing our ideas like the youth commission (yuva aayog) and old age pension hike. I am sure 'Mai Bahin Samman Yojana' will also be copied by them soon,” said Tejashwi, referring to his party’s promise of paying Rs 2,500 monthly to women if voted to power.

He added that the NDA lacked vision, and accused it of failing to maintain law and order in the state.

'Jungle Raj is back, ask the Centre,' says Tejashwi

Asked about Union minister Chirag Paswan’s recent remarks expressing concern over law and order in Bihar, Yadav replied:

“He should go and tell the Centre that ‘jungle raj’ is prevailing in Bihar.”

The phrase 'jungle raj', often used by BJP leaders, including PM Modi, to criticise past RJD governments, was turned on its head by the opposition leader.

Sahani on seat talks, SIR concerns, and deputy CM dreams

VIP president Mukesh Sahani, who was also present at the meeting, confirmed that seat-sharing discussions had started.

“Yes, seat-sharing talks have begun. We cannot share details about the same right now,” he told reporters.

He said other topics were also discussed, including the formation of a coordination committee and ensuring transparency in the SIR exercise.

“We are opposed to the SIR per se. But until the Supreme Court comes out with a final ruling, we must ensure that all directives are followed during the exercise,” Sahani added.

A former BJP ally, Sahani is now a vocal critic of the ruling coalition. When asked whether he sees himself as deputy CM if Yadav becomes chief minister, he smiled and said:

'Who else, but me?'

(With inputs from PTI)