Ranchi: Ruling party in Jharkhand, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has announced that it will contest the upcoming Bihar polls independently, breaking away from the broader Opposition alliance in the state.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, JMM general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya confirmed the decision, stating that the party will field candidates in six assembly constituencies: Chakai, Dhamdaha, Katoria (ST), Manihari (ST), Jamui, and Pirpainti. All these seats are scheduled to go to polls in the second phase on November 11.

“Dhamdaha, Chakai, Katoria, Manihari, Jamui and Pirpainti - we will contest these. The situation everywhere is different. Why is Congress contesting against RJD? Why is CPI contesting against VIP? Election strategies change...,” said Bhattacharya.

Mahagathbandhan’s seat-sharing formula

The JMM’s move comes just hours after a leader from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) stated that the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) , comprising the RJD, Congress, CPI (ML-L), CPI (M), CPI, and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), had finalised its seat-sharing agreement following weeks of internal negotiations.

“Mahagathbandhan has finalised its seat sharing; All is well. Confusion over few seats will be solved and announced soon,” said RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari.

Key dates for Bihar elections

The Bihar Assembly elections will be conducted in two phases:

Phase 1: November 6

Phase 2: November 11

Counting of votes: November 14

With 243 assembly seats up for grabs, Bihar is set for a closely contested election, and political parties are now locking in their final strategies.