Congress may get 50-plus seats in Mahagathbandhan share, RJD will retain 2020 numbers

By | July 17, 2025
Congress seat share in Mahagathbandhan being discussed at Patna meeting

Patna, July 17, 2025 — The seat-sharing talks within the Mahagathbandhan alliance in Bihar are gaining momentum. According to sources, the Congress is likely to get over 50 seats for the upcoming Assembly elections. This would be a notable increase from its last performance. At the same time, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is expected to retain its 2020 tally of 144 seats, affirming its leading role in the alliance.

The Mahagathbandhan, which includes the RJD, Congress, and Left parties, is preparing to challenge the BJP-led NDA. Leaders from all parties have held several rounds of discussions in Patna and New Delhi. The talks focus on ensuring a united front ahead of the high-stakes 2025 election.

Congress Pushes for a Bigger Share

In 2020, Congress contested 70 seats but won only 19. Despite that, the party now claims it deserves a stronger presence. It points to recent gains in municipal and local body elections as proof of a ground-level revival.

“We’ve improved in many areas, especially in urban and semi-urban seats,” a Congress leader said. “Our work on the ground justifies a seat share of at least 50 to 55.”

The party’s central leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, is closely monitoring the situation. Bihar is important in the Congress’s plan to rebuild its national presence. The state could offer the party a much-needed win ahead of the 2026 Lok Sabha elections.

RJD Holds Firm on 144 Seats

The RJD, led by Tejashwi Yadav, remains firm on keeping its 2020 seat share. Party leaders believe their support base—mainly Yadavs, Muslims, and backward castes—remains strong across Bihar.

“The RJD carried the alliance in 2020. We are the main reason Mahagathbandhan stayed competitive,” an RJD insider said. “We’re open to discussions, but we will not give up key seats.”

Tejashwi Yadav is trying to maintain balance within the alliance. He is reportedly cautious about over-accommodating Congress at the expense of his own party’s prospects. RJD leaders fear that giving away too many winnable seats could hurt their chances in closely contested areas.

Left Parties Retain Their Share

The Left parties—especially the CPI(ML), CPI, and CPM—are expected to keep their earlier share. In 2020, CPI(ML) contested 19 seats and won 12, surprising many. Their success has earned them a more solid voice in alliance decisions.

Left leaders are urging all parties to maintain unity. They emphasize the importance of avoiding ego clashes. The focus, they say, must remain on defeating the BJP-JD(U) alliance.

“We cannot afford another breakdown in coordination,” said a CPI(ML) spokesperson. “Our combined strength is our best weapon.”

Voter Dynamics Are Changing

The alliance is also analyzing shifting voter trends. With urbanization, social media outreach, and caste alignments changing, old strategies may not work anymore. A seat may no longer be “safe” just because it was once a stronghold.

Leaders are reviewing constituency-specific reports. These cover voting patterns, candidate profiles, and local concerns. The goal is to allocate seats based on winnability and not just past performance.

Dr. Manisha Roy, a political analyst from Patna University, believes this shift is crucial. “The Congress sees an opportunity to regain space among Dalits and upper castes. The RJD, though strong, must stay flexible. Bihar’s voters are more aware and demanding today,” she said.

She added that internal unity could make or break the alliance. “Tejashwi Yadav’s biggest test is not public rallies. It’s keeping his team and allies aligned.”

Stakes Are High for 2025

The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections are shaping up to be a major political battle. With Nitish Kumar back in the NDA, the BJP is preparing a full-throttle campaign. They’re expected to push central schemes, development claims, and Hindutva narratives.

Against this backdrop, the Mahagathbandhan must get its act together. A clear seat-sharing formula and strong coordination will be critical. Leaders are aware that confusion or delays could weaken their position.

So far, insiders say the mood in the talks is better than in 2020. That year, Congress demanded more seats than its performance justified. This time, despite pushing for more, the party seems ready to compromise.

RJD, too, is showing signs of flexibility. It may retain its 144 seats but could allow Congress to contest in some new regions as a goodwill gesture.

Final Word

The final seat-sharing arrangement is expected to be announced within the next few weeks. While Congress will likely get over 50 seats, it may not reach its 2020 count of 70. Still, this new share will give the party a more meaningful role in Bihar politics.

For the RJD, retaining its 2020 strength without fracturing the alliance will be a major win. The Left parties will continue to play a supporting role in key regions.

If the alliance can resolve its internal differences and present a united campaign, it may challenge the NDA more strongly than before. But any sign of disunity could prove costly.

The seat-sharing decisions made today may determine not just the outcome in Bihar—but also shape national politics ahead of 2026.