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Bihar Polls: JMM Declares Independence Amid Grand Alliance Seat-Sharing Dispute

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has announced its decision to contest six seats independently in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. This move comes after the party was dissatisfied with the seat-sharing negotiations within the Grand Alliance. JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya emphasized that while they hope for a resolution, they are prepared to fight the elections on their own. The party's star campaigners, led by Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, are ready to challenge the existing political dynamics.

Key Points: JMM Challenges Grand Alliance Bihar Seat Distribution

  • JMM demands seven seats but receives none in Grand Alliance
  • Party to contest independently in six border constituencies
  • Hemant Soren to lead campaign for JMM
  • Warns of potential electoral damage due to alliance disunity
2 min read

Bihar polls: JMM to contest six seats after rift with Grand Alliance over seat sharing

JMM breaks ranks in Bihar elections, announcing independent contest in six constituencies after seat-sharing disagreement with alliance partners.

"We have completed our preparations for the Bihar elections and will contest on six seats. - Supriyo Bhattacharya, JMM General Secretary"

Patna, Oct 18

Tensions within the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) surfaced ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections after the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) announced it would contest independently.

Disgruntled over its marginalisation in seat-sharing talks, the JMM declared that it will field candidates in six constituencies -- Chakai, Dhamdha, Katoria (ST), Manihari (ST), Jamui, and Pirpainti -- all of which go to polls in the second phase on November 11. These constituencies are located on the Bihar-Jharkhand border.

Addressing a press conference in Ranchi on Saturday, JMM General Secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya said the party had been demanding seven seats within the Grand Alliance but received none.

"We have completed our preparations for the Bihar elections and will contest on six seats. However, we are still hopeful that Grand Alliance leaders will announce their decision soon," Bhattacharya stated.

He clarified that while the JMM has not formally severed ties with the alliance, it cannot wait indefinitely, as the nomination process is already underway.

Bhattacharya also reminded alliance partners that the JMM had been generous during previous seat-sharing negotiations.

"In the 2019 Jharkhand Assembly elections, we gave respectable space to the Congress, RJD, and CPI(ML). The RJD got seven seats in Jharkhand and won only one (Chatra), yet its lone MLA was made a minister. Even in the 2024 Assembly elections, RJD was given respectable seats," he pointed out.

Emphasising that the JMM is capable of taking on the BJP independently, Bhattacharya cautioned that disunity in the Grand Alliance could damage its electoral prospects.

"We don't want confusion in the alliance. But if our leaders do not campaign in Bihar, the Grand Alliance may suffer huge losses," he warned.

The JMM has also released a list of 20 star campaigners for Bihar, with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren set to lead the campaign. The majority of star campaigners are from the cabinet of the Hemant Soren government.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from the Bihar-Jharkhand border area, I can say JMM has good support here. They're not wrong to demand these seats. Grand Alliance should have accommodated them better.
S
Sarah B
While I understand JMM's frustration, going solo might split anti-BJP votes. This internal conflict only helps the ruling party. They should have resolved this much earlier in the process.
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Arjun K
JMM's decision makes sense strategically. They have strong tribal support in these border constituencies. Why should they play second fiddle when they can win on their own? 💪
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Michael C
Respectfully, this seems like political immaturity from all sides. The timing is terrible - just weeks before elections. Voters deserve better coordination from parties claiming to work together.
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Kavya N
Hemant Soren campaigning in Bihar will be interesting! JMM might actually surprise everyone in these border seats. Their tribal connect is strong. Let's see how this plays out!
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Vikram M
Typical Indian politics - alliances break over seat sharing every election. But JMM's warning is valid - if they don't campaign together, BJP will benefit. Hope they sort this out soon.

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