Tensions Rise in Bihar's Grand Alliance Ahead of Legislative Council Elections

As Bihar prepares for its Legislative Council elections, tensions within the Grand Alliance are escalating. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress have both nominated candidates for several seats, leading to direct competition in four constituencies. This situation raises questions about coordination and seat-sharing within the alliance. With voting scheduled for October 23 and counting on October 27, the stakes are high as both parties vie for influence in these crucial elections. The outcome could significantly impact the political landscape in Bihar.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 3, 2026, 11:06 IST

Conflict Over Seats in Bihar's Grand Alliance

As the elections for eight seats in the Bihar Legislative Council approach, tensions have emerged within the Grand Alliance. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress have nominated candidates for some of the same seats, leading to direct competition between the two parties for four of these positions.

RJD's Early Candidate Announcements

The RJD had previously announced candidates for six out of the eight seats. Following this, Congress revealed its candidates for five seats, which included four where the RJD had already put forth its nominees.

Direct Competition on Four Seats

Reports indicate that the two parties are facing off in the following constituencies: Patna Teacher, Patna Graduate, Kosi Graduate, and Darbhanga Graduate. The RJD has fielded Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Dilip Kumar, Nitesh Kumar, and Anil Kumar Jha for these seats, while Congress has nominated Dr. Sanjay Yadav, Dr. Asadullah Khan, Manoj Kumar Jaiswal, and Rajnikant Pathak.

Interestingly, for the Darbhanga Teacher seat, Congress has re-nominated the current MLC Madan Mohan Jha, and the RJD has not put forward a candidate there.

Concerns Over Seat Coordination

Both the RJD and Congress are part of the Grand Alliance, making the situation of their candidates running against each other a topic of discussion. Questions have arisen regarding the coordination and seat-sharing arrangements within the alliance, especially since it was previously noted that the RJD did not adequately consult its allies before announcing its candidates.

Voting Scheduled for October 23

Voting for the eight seats in the Bihar Legislative Council is set for October 23, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 27. The elections will include four graduate and four teacher constituencies.

Voter lists for the graduate and teacher constituencies are separate, with eligible graduate voters and teachers casting their votes based on specific criteria.

Significance of the Upcoming Elections

The decision by RJD and Congress to field separate candidates has sparked discussions about seat coordination within the Grand Alliance. The direct competition between the two parties in four constituencies has made these elections particularly significant.