JMM Demands 12 Seats in Bihar Elections, Issues October 14 Ultimatum to INDIA Bloc

The Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has issued a clear deadline to the INDIA bloc regarding seat allocation for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

Ranchi:

JMM leadership announced on Saturday that if the INDIA bloc fails to allocate "respectable seats" to the party by October 14, they will independently determine their electoral strategy for the Bihar Assembly elections.

As part of the Mahagathbandhan alliance, JMM is seeking a minimum of 12 assembly seats in the Bihar polls, according to a senior party official.

"We remain committed to the Mahagathbandhan and intend to contest the elections as alliance partners. We urge Bihar's Mahagathbandhan leadership to promptly announce JMM's seat allocation, particularly as the nomination process has already commenced," stated Supriyo Bhattacharya, JMM's central general secretary and spokesperson, during a media briefing.

Bhattacharya confirmed that the party has completed its electoral preparations for Bihar.

He emphasized that during Jharkhand elections, JMM provided "respectable representation" to its coalition partners - Congress, RJD, and CPI (ML) L.

"We accordingly expect appropriate seat allocation for JMM in the Bihar elections," Bhattacharya remarked.

He noted that in the 2019 Jharkhand assembly elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) received seven seats but secured victory only in Chatra. "Nevertheless, we appointed RJD's single MLA as a minister in Jharkhand's coalition government for the entire five-year term. In the 2024 elections, we allocated 5 percent of Jharkhand's seats, totaling six, to RJD. Among their four victorious members, one was appointed as minister in adherence to alliance principles," Bhattacharya explained.

He revealed that JMM's central committee is scheduled to convene on October 15. "Our seat allocation should be finalized before then. Otherwise, we reserve the right to make independent decisions during our central committee meeting. As an autonomous political entity, we will not remain passive," Bhattacharya asserted.

The spokesperson highlighted JMM's proven capability to mount strong electoral campaigns, particularly against the BJP. "We want to avoid any confusion among alliance partners, as such discord could benefit our opponents. Therefore, we seek resolution of all issues before our central committee meeting. There are numerous constituencies in Bihar where the Mahagathbandhan would suffer significant losses without JMM's support and campaign involvement," he concluded.