Ranchi, Jharkhand: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) spokesperson Manoj Pandey said the party was “misled” and “kept in dark by Mahagathbandhan” as it decided to withdraw from the Bihar polls. The announcement came amid rising tensions within the alliance. The announcement of election withdrawal came on Monday.

Earlier, JMM had planned to contest six seats independently, Chakai, Dhamdaha, Katoria, Manihari, Jamui, and Pirpainti, in the second phase of polling on November 11. The withdrawal follows failed seat-sharing talks with the RJD and Congress, which sparked internal dissent within the alliance.