INDIA Alliance Tensions: Congress-JMM Rift Over Seat-Sharing in Jharkhand Goes Public
A day after unveiling the seat-sharing agreement for Jharkhand, tensions surfaced within the INDIA alliance. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) openly rejected the proposed formula, calling it “unilateral.” The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress are also clashing over seat allocation, especially regarding Congress’ push to give RJD more seats from the JMM’s share.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced that JMM and Congress would contest 70 of the 81 seats, leaving the rest for other allies. However, RJD MP Manoj Jha expressed dissatisfaction, insisting that fewer than 12-13 seats would not be acceptable, as RJD claims influence in 18-20 constituencies. Despite this, Jha reassured that RJD’s aim is to defeat the BJP, promising support for INDIA bloc candidates if RJD decides to go solo in some seats.
Meanwhile, the seat-sharing talks between JMM and Congress have hit a roadblock. Sources revealed that Soren was frustrated with Congress’ central leadership, particularly after a conversation with Congress general secretary K C Venugopal, where disagreements arose. Congress suggested that RJD should receive additional seats from JMM’s quota, a suggestion Soren rejected.
The agreed formula gives JMM 50 seats, including those for Left parties, while Congress would get 31. However, the RJD issue complicated matters. JMM leaders argued that RJD’s demands lack merit, emphasizing that RJD secured only one seat in previous elections. They urged Congress to accommodate RJD from its own share, citing that both are allies at the national level.
In some constituencies like Ranchi and Bhawnathpur, further disagreements emerged. JMM intends to field former Congress leaders who switched parties, angering Congress leaders. The dissatisfaction has demoralized Congress workers, many of whom have raised concerns with senior leadership.
As a result of these conflicts, Congress may reduce its seat expectations from 29 to 25. The deadlock has delayed the release of the INDIA bloc’s final candidate list, expected within 24-48 hours.
