JMM Quits Bihar Poll Alliance, Accuses RJD-Congress of Betrayal, Impact Expected on Jharkhand Politics

National News: The opposition bloc in Bihar has been shaken as JMM announced it would no longer participate in the assembly polls. The party claims that its trust was broken by RJD and Congress, both of whom failed to honor seat-sharing promises. JMM leaders said they were pushed out despite repeated discussions. The decision is seen as a major blow to opposition unity, with many predicting that this will weaken the Mahagathbandhan in the upcoming election battle.

Betrayal claims and broken promises

According to JMM, the roots of this dispute go back years. In the 2015 elections, JMM supported RJD but was promised only token seats later. During the 2020 elections, RJD had assured JMM of three constituencies but did not deliver. More recently, party representatives claimed they were offered five seats after discussions in Patna, but when the final list was released, JMM’s name was missing. This, they argue, was a deliberate betrayal by RJD with Congress staying silent.

JMM leaders voice frustration

Urban Development Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu voiced the party’s anger at a press conference, saying that JMM’s contributions had been ignored. He explained that alliance politics only works when promises are respected, but here, JMM was sidelined. He accused both RJD and Congress of double standards, calling the act “political trickery” that hurt the dignity of the Jharkhand party. According to him, such actions not only betray JMM but also undermine faith in coalition politics itself.

Fallout may hit Jharkhand politics

The decision to quit the Bihar polls could ripple into Jharkhand’s political future. JMM leaders warned that the state’s politics may now undergo changes, as the party reassesses its alliances. The message is clear: betrayal in Bihar cannot be separated from Jharkhand, where JMM remains a key power. Analysts believe this exit could affect the INDIA bloc’s ability to campaign as a united opposition, not only in Bihar but across the eastern region.

Congress accused of silent complicity

While RJD has taken most of the criticism, JMM leaders also blamed Congress for not standing up for them. They said Congress should have ensured fair representation within the alliance, but instead remained quiet. This silence, according to JMM, makes Congress equally responsible for the breakdown. Party members argued that Congress cannot claim moral high ground if it allows its allies to be sidelined. This accusation may complicate Congress’s image as a national unifier.

Past support now questioned

JMM reminded the public that in 2024, during Jharkhand’s elections, it had followed coalition rules by accommodating RJD, Congress, and Left parties in seat-sharing. The party says it expected the same respect in Bihar, but instead faced humiliation. This contradiction has created anger among JMM workers who feel their loyalty has been taken for granted. The party has now signaled that it will review its ties with the Mahagathbandhan, keeping only Jharkhand’s interest at the center.

Future strategy under review

As of now, JMM has made it clear that it will not field candidates in Bihar. The party organization will soon sit to review the entire situation and decide on future steps. Leaders said the betrayal will have political costs for those responsible. Whether JMM continues with the broader opposition alliance in 2024 remains uncertain. For now, the rift has left the Grand Alliance weaker, exposing cracks that could help the ruling BJP consolidate its position.