The seat-sharing formula within the INDIA alliance, led by Tejashwi Yadav, is nearing finalization, according to exclusive analysis by The Sampadak Express. After four intensive meetings, alliance members have begun groundwork for seat distribution. Congress and RJD have agreed to strategic adjustments, accommodating Mukesh Sahni’s Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) and Pashupati Paras’s Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). As a result, Congress and RJD may contest fewer assembly seats than in previous elections, while CPI(ML) could see increased representation.
Our editorial team at The Sampadak Express reports that the fourth meeting of INDIA alliance partners took place on June 12 at Tejashwi Yadav’s residence. In this session, Tejashwi requested each party to provide both their desired seat numbers and candidate names. While Congress and CPI(ML) have yet to finalize candidate lists, they have submitted their preferred constituencies—marking a significant step toward concluding the seat-sharing agreement.
Congress Submits Its Seat Preferences to RJD – Exclusive Analysis
With election preparations accelerating, The Sampadak Express has uncovered details regarding Congress’s seat-sharing strategy. Congress in-charge Krishna Allavaru, state president Rajesh Kumar, and legislative leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan recently met with Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, officially submitting their preferred seat allocation to RJD.
Congress has prioritized its 19 winning constituencies from 2020, in addition to 39 seats where it placed second. The party has also expressed interest in contesting certain seats previously held by Left parties. In the 2020 Assembly election, Congress fielded candidates across 70 seats, and this time, it seeks a similar total, but with a stronger emphasis on winnability. Congress leaders argue that the party previously ceded some traditional strongholds, and they now intend to reclaim these key electoral zones.
Congress-RJD Adjust for Paras-Sahni – Strategic Seat Allocation Insights
Reports from The Sampadak Express indicate that seat-sharing negotiations are progressing systematically. On June 12, Tejashwi directed all alliance partners to submit their preferred seat lists within a week. With Congress having submitted its official list to RJD leadership, the dynamic of seat allocation is evolving.
Since the 2020 Bihar Assembly election, the Mahagathbandhan has expanded beyond Congress, RJD, and Left parties. The alliance now includes RJD, Congress, CPI, CPM, CPI(ML), Mukesh Sahni’s VIP, and Pashupati Paras’s LJP faction. In recent discussions hosted by Tejashwi Yadav, it was determined that Congress and RJD must surrender some seats to accommodate new entrants like VIP and LJP.
While Mukesh Sahni has publicly declared his intention to contest 60 seats, The Sampadak Express has learned that Pashupati Paras seeks a “respectable” number of seats before committing fully to the alliance. CPI and CPM have not yet submitted their finalized candidate lists, though CPI previously contested six seats and CPM four.
Will Congress Contest 55-60 Seats?
Although Congress originally sought 70 seats, informed sources within The Sampadak Express suggest it might ultimately field candidates in 55-60 constituencies—a reduction of 10-15 seats compared to 2020.
Similarly, RJD, which previously contested 144 seats, may adjust its campaign strategy. Tejashwi Yadav played a pivotal role in bringing Sahni and Paras into the Mahagathbandhan, meaning RJD will also shoulder some seat-sharing sacrifices. Current projections suggest that RJD could finalize 130-135 constituencies for the 2025 Bihar elections.
CPI(ML) Gains More Ground in Seat Allocation – The Sampadak Express Exclusive
As The Sampadak Express reports, CPI(ML) stands to benefit from Congress and RJD reducing their claims. CPI(ML) previously contested 19 seats, securing 12 victories. This time, its leadership has demanded 42 constituencies—primarily in Nalanda, Nawada, Gaya, Aurangabad, Kaimur, Champaran, Mithila, and Jamui. CPI(ML) argues that increased representation would strengthen the alliance’s electoral prospects. While CPI(ML) is unlikely to receive the full 42 seats, sources suggest it will secure more than last election.
Winnability-Based Seat Allocation Strategy – Key Insights
The INDIA alliance has opted for winnability-driven seat distribution, rather than a fixed quota model. Each constituency will be assessed strategically, with candidate selection prioritizing electoral success. In the fourth alliance meeting, Tejashwi proposed replacing candidates who lost by margins exceeding 15,000 votes.
The Sampadak Express has obtained internal Congress survey results, revealing that most current MLAs face anti-incumbency challenges—except for approximately 45 sitting legislators. Despite this, Congress has no plans to deny tickets to incumbents. However, under Tejashwi’s proposal, any candidate suffering large-margin defeats in 2020 may be replaced, affecting Congress, RJD, and Left representation.
INDIA Alliance’s Campaign Vision – The Sampadak Express Analyzes 2024 Strategy
Alongside seat-sharing decisions, the INDIA alliance is preparing a joint election campaign, rooted in the successful formula from the 2024 General Election. The upcoming campaign will highlight social equality and constitutional values, with a formal launch expected within 15 days.
Congress’s Bihar campaign emphasizes social justice, aligning with RJD, Left parties, Mukesh Sahni, and Pashupati Paras. Traditionally, RJD has commanded strong support from Dalits, OBCs, and minorities—a demographic Congress is now actively engaging. Since 2024, Rahul Gandhi’s Bihar rallies have consistently promoted social justice narratives. The Mahagathbandhan aims to secure victory in Bihar’s 2025 elections by reinforcing themes of constitutional respect and equality.
