New Delhi: Tensions emerged within the INDIA bloc ahead of the Jharkhand assembly elections, as the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has voiced its displeasure over a seat-sharing arrangement between the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress. The two parties have agreed to contest 70 out of the 81 seats in the state assembly, a move that the RJD described as “unilateral”.
Expressing the party’s frustration, RJD spokesperson Manoj Kumar Jha said, “We are disappointed with the offer of seats. The decision was taken without consulting us.” Jha also made it clear that “all options remain open” for the RJD moving forward.
RJD wants at least 15-18 seats
Earlier on Saturday, Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren announced that the JMM and Congress would contest 70 seats together in the upcoming elections. However, the RJD was absent from these discussions. Jha emphasised that the RJD had identified “at least 15 to 18 seats” where it believes it can effectively challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) independently. During the previous assembly elections, the RJD contested seven seats, finishing as the runner-up in five.
Senior RJD leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the opposition in Bihar’s assembly, were in Ranchi for discussions. “No political party can ignore the sentiments of its voters and supporters. We have sufficient strength,” news agency PTI quoted Jha as saying.
In the 2019 Jharkhand assembly elections, the RJD secured one seat, with its MLA Satyanand Bhokta currently serving as a minister in the Soren cabinet. The JMM-led alliance won 47 seats in the last election, with 30 going to the JMM and 16 to the Congress, while the BJP claimed 25.
JMM to contest 44 seats, Congress 26
Saturday’s developments cast a shadow over the INDIA bloc’s electoral campaign in Jharkhand, as the alleged unilateral decision by the JMM and Congress caused friction with the RJD. Chief minister Hemant Soren announced that the two parties would contest 70 seats, with the JMM expected to field candidates in 44 seats, while Congress would contest 26, a report of the Times of India mentioned. He also mentioned the inclusion of Left parties in the alliance, though their absence from the announcement raised eyebrows.
Tejashwi Yadav, who was in Ranchi, was notably absent from the event, fuelling speculation of discord. After the seat-sharing announcement, Yadav met senior RJD leaders to discuss the party’s next steps. The RJD had hoped for a larger share of the seats, as it has a significant presence in certain districts and is pushing for 15 to 18 seats.
According to a report by the Times of India, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Hemant Soren later met with Tejashwi Yadav at his hotel, attempting to resolve the emerging differences within the alliance. Minister Satyanand Bhokta expressed optimism, stating that any disputes within the alliance would be addressed.
The assembly elections are scheduled to take place in two phases on November 13 and 20, with the counting of votes set for 23 November.
