Grand Alliance Faces Setback as JMM Withdraws From Bihar Polls Over Seat-Sharing Dispute Before 2025 Elections

Bihar Assembly Elections: In a major blow to the opposition Grand Alliance ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has announced its withdrawal from the elections. The Hemant Soren-led party had previously announced its intention to contest the elections by releasing a list of six candidates, but has now backtracked, claiming it was subjected to "political manipulation."

Jharkhand minister and JMM leader Sudibya Kumar said, "We were not treated fairly in the seat-sharing arrangements. Therefore, the party has decided to withdraw from the Bihar Assembly elections. We will neither contest nor support any party." He added that the Grand Alliance will suffer the consequences.

JMM upset over seat-sharing neglect

Party General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya stated that the six seats for which the JMM had previously announced candidates were Chakai, Dhamdha, Katoria (ST), Manihari (ST), Jamui, and Pirpainti (SC). He alleged that the JMM was ignored in seat-sharing negotiations, despite the party's continued efforts to establish dialogue with the RJD and Congress.

Bhattacharya said, "We have repeatedly conveyed our demands to the Congress high command through RJD leaders, but our demands were not taken seriously. In Jharkhand, we supported both the Congress and RJD, but in Bihar, we did not receive the same respect."

Coalition review warning

JMM leaders have clearly stated that after experiencing humiliation in Bihar, they will review their current alliance in Jharkhand. The party also questioned how the alliance's unity can be trusted if Congress is fighting against the RJD in Bihar and the CPI against the VIP. They indicated that the party will now redefine its strategy for future elections. The JMM had previously set a deadline for allocating seats by October 14th, and this major decision was taken after the deadline passed.

JDU took aim

JDU spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan reacted sharply to the JMM's decision. He said that the JMM had accommodated the RJD in Jharkhand, but the treatment meted out to them in Bihar was unfair. This will undoubtedly impact Jharkhand politics, and the Grand Alliance will have to pay the price.