RJD, Congress at odds over upcoming Bihar legislative council elections
A rift has developed between the RJD and Congress regarding seat-sharing for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Council elections. Both parties have announced candidates for overlapping seats, leading to a 'friendly fight' scenario that ruling NDA allies have dismissed as a sign of the alliance's collapse.
Why it matters
The internal friction within the Mahagathbandhan coalition could significantly impact the political landscape in Bihar.
A day after the Congress announced the names of five candidates for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Council elections to eight seats, a rift emerged on Friday (October 2, 2026) between the party and its Mahagathbandhan ally Rashtriya Janata Dal.
The RJD had earlier announced candidates for six seats, while the Congress is set to contest four seats. Leaders of the RJD and Congress said they would have a “friendly fight” in the four seats. The ruling BJP and JD(U) took a swipe at the Opposition, saying there is no such thing as a friendly fight between political parties as they essentially field contestants to win elections.
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