Setback for the Grand Alliance in Bihar! JMM breaks ties, will contest 6 seats alone

National News: The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has announced it will fight the Bihar Assembly elections without the Grand Alliance. The decision came after days of tension over seat sharing. Party General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya confirmed that JMM will field candidates in six seats—Chakai, Dhamdhaha, Katoria, Manihari, Jamui, and Pirpainti. Voting for these seats will take place on November 11 during the second phase. This move has been seen as a blow to the opposition camp in Bihar.

Star campaigners to lead effort

Along with the announcement, the JMM also released a list of 20 star campaigners for Bihar. Chief Minister Hemant Soren will lead the campaign. Party insiders say that the JMM feels confident in its ability to mobilize voters and carve its own space in Bihar politics. The decision signals that the party is preparing for a bigger role beyond Jharkhand, where it already leads the state government.

Dispute over seat allocation grows

According to JMM leaders, the main reason for the break was dissatisfaction with the Grand Alliance’s seat-sharing formula. They argue that despite being a strong partner, the party was not offered a fair share. Bhattacharya reminded that in Jharkhand elections, JMM had given Congress, RJD, and CPI(ML)L a respectable number of seats. In return, they expected a similar gesture from allies in Bihar. When this was denied, the party leadership chose independence.

Past cooperation recalled by JMM

Bhattacharya also pointed to past cooperation between JMM and RJD. In the 2019 Jharkhand elections, JMM gave RJD seven seats even though it won only one. Despite poor performance, JMM still made an RJD MLA a minister in the coalition government. In 2024, they gave RJD six seats and again supported their ministers. He stressed that JMM has always honored allies but is not receiving the same respect in Bihar.

Alliance confusion could hurt opposition

JMM leaders warned that continued confusion in the alliance could damage opposition chances against the BJP. They argue that strong coordination is needed to stop the ruling party. If partners remain divided, it will open doors for the BJP to gain more ground. Bhattacharya said JMM knows how to fight tough elections and will not let its influence be ignored. This public statement has increased pressure on other alliance members.

JMM’s strategy for Bihar elections

By deciding to contest alone, JMM has made it clear that it is ready for a direct fight. The party is confident of its support base in border areas near Jharkhand, especially in tribal and minority-dominated regions. The leadership believes that their presence on these six seats can make a visible impact. With Hemant Soren leading the campaign, the party hopes to expand its identity as more than a regional force.

Political impact on Grand Alliance

The split is being seen as a setback for the Grand Alliance, which was aiming to present a united opposition. Analysts say even a small party breaking away can weaken the coalition in close contests. JMM’s exit has also highlighted deeper issues within the alliance regarding trust and fair sharing. As Bihar heads to polls on November 6 and 11, the political battle is becoming more complicated. The outcome could reshape alliances in future elections.