Efforts to reach a consensus on seat-sharing for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have reportedly hit an impasse. Sources indicate that the discord primarily centers around the allocation of Lok Sabha constituencies in Sitamarhi, Madhepura, Gopalganj, Siwan, and Bhagalpur Banka.

The RJD, led by Lalu Yadav, is adamant about fielding candidates in these constituencies, a proposition firmly rejected by the ruling JD(U). The Nitish camp is determined to retain seats where JD(U) holds significant influence over the electorate, particularly those secured in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections when the party clinched 16 out of Bihar's 40 seats, with Congress winning one.

Currently, in Lok Sabha 16 members are from JD(U), 17 from BJP, six from both factions of LJP, and one from Congress. RJD has no presence in the Lower House.

Following the Mumbai meeting of the I.N.D.I.A bloc, Nitish Kumar held discussions with Lalu Prasad to negotiate seat-sharing for Lok Sabha elections in Bihar. Initial talks between the two Bihar leaders of the I.N.D.I.A Bloc suggested an agreement to allocate 16 seats to both JD(U) and RJD, with the remaining eight seats to be shared by Congress and three left parties, as per sources. Lalu Prasad, the RJD chief, is expected to assist the Congress in selecting viable candidates, as per the discussions held between the two leaders.

The I.N.D.I.Alliance partners are engaged in reconciling conflicting claims and defining the electoral battleground for the next Lok Sabha polls. The opposition coalition, known as the I.N.D.I.A bloc, is committed to contesting the 2024 elections in unity, emphasizing a collaborative approach in seat-sharing arrangements across states.

Leaders within the bloc have established a 14-member coordination committee, aiming to expedite seat-sharing discussions and finalize a formula by the end of September. This initiative was proposed during informal discussions among alliance leaders. Prominent Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed optimism during a joint news conference, asserting that the alliance, representing a substantial portion of the population, can overcome the ruling party when united against the BJP.

In a significant gathering at Mumbai's Grand Hyatt Hotel, 63 representatives from 28 political parties participated in the third meeting of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) alliance. The meeting established a 14-member coordination panel, featuring leaders from various coalition parties.

The resolution passed during the meeting reiterated the alliance's commitment to contesting the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in collaboration and promptly addressing seat-sharing arrangements. Additionally, the I.N.D.I.A bloc pledged to organize public rallies addressing pressing public concerns across the nation. Their communication and media strategies will be coordinated with the theme 'Judega Bharat, Jeetega India' in various languages.

Image source: ANI