JMM Withdraws from Bihar Elections Citing "Political Conspiracy" by INDIA Bloc Allies

Patna: In a surprising political development, Hemant Soren's Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has withdrawn from the Bihar assembly elections shortly after announcing its intention to independently contest six seats in the neighboring state.

The party, which is a member of the Opposition INDIA bloc, has cited a "political conspiracy" orchestrated by its allies - Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress - as the reason behind its initial decision. JMM officials stated they would reconsider their alliance with these parties in Jharkhand, indicating that this rift within the Grand Alliance could have broader implications.

According to JMM representatives, the party was denied seats in Bihar despite both the RJD and Congress being coalition partners in Chief Minister Soren's Jharkhand government.

Senior JMM leader Sudivya Kumar expressed strong dissatisfaction with the situation, declaring that his party would reassess its alliance with the Congress and RJD in Jharkhand and respond appropriately to this perceived snub.

"The RJD and Congress deliberately excluded JMM from the election as part of a calculated political conspiracy. We will deliver a fitting response and thoroughly review our alliance with them," stated Kumar, who also serves as the state tourism minister.

He further remarked, "Political machinations were deployed against JMM. We will not extend support to any political party in Bihar. The Mahagathbandhan will face the consequences of JMM's absence in these elections."

Earlier, JMM had announced plans to contest six seats - Chakai, Dhamdaha, Katoria, Manihari, Jamui, and Pirpainti - following the failure of Congress and RJD to reach a seat-sharing agreement, which had resulted in both parties fielding candidates independently and creating friendly contests in some constituencies.

Today marked the deadline for submitting nomination papers for these six seats.

The elections for Bihar's 243 assembly seats are scheduled for November 6 and November 11, with vote counting to take place on November 14.