JMM quits Bihar polls, blames RJD-Congress for ‘political conspiracy’ on seat sharing

Ranchi: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) announced on Monday that it will not contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, citing a "political conspiracy" by its allies Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, which deprived JMM of seats within the Mahagathbandhan alliance. Senior JMM leader and Jharkhand Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar said the party would review its alliance with RJD and Congress in Jharkhand and respond appropriately to the perceived snub.

This decision comes shortly after JMM initially declared it would contest six seats independently in Bihar, Chakai, Dhamdaha, Katoria, Manihari, Jamui, and Pirpainti, in the second phase of polling scheduled for November 11. The move followed failed seat-sharing negotiations with the RJD and Congress, leading to internal dissent within the opposition alliance.

The JMM has blamed the opposition parties for undermining its electoral prospects in Bihar and has expressed frustration over the alliance dynamics. The party also hinted at reconsidering its participation in the broader INDIA bloc in Jharkhand ahead of future elections.

Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results on November 14.

With inputs from PTI