JMM Alleges 'Political Conspiracy' in Bihar Polls
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a key constituent of the INDIA bloc, has officially withdrawn from the Bihar Assembly elections 2025. The party announced its decision on Monday, October 20, 2025, vehemently accusing its allies, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, of a 'political conspiracy' that deprived it of seats within the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance).
Senior JMM leader and Jharkhand's Tourism Minister, Sudivya Kumar, stated that the RJD and Congress were 'responsible for depriving JMM from contesting the election as part of a political conspiracy.' He added that the JMM would 'give a befitting reply to this, and review its alliance with RJD and Congress' in Jharkhand.
Failed Seat-Sharing Talks and Initial Solo Bid
The withdrawal comes after protracted and ultimately unsuccessful seat-sharing negotiations within the Mahagathbandhan. JMM General Secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya had previously announced on Saturday, October 18, 2025, that the party would contest six assembly segments independently, following the breakdown of talks.
The seats JMM had initially identified for a solo contest included:
- Chakai
- Dhamdaha
- Katoria
- Manihari
- Jamui
- Pirpainti
JMM leaders expressed deep disappointment, with Sudeep Kumar Sonu lamenting that 'when an important ally of the INDIA bloc has been prevented from contesting, there must be reasons — but we hold the RJD leadership fully responsible for this situation.' He also noted that Congress shared responsibility for failing to ensure JMM's inclusion in seat-sharing discussions.
Implications for the Mahagathbandhan and Future Alliances
The JMM's decision to pull out of the Bihar elections has exposed significant cracks within the Mahagathbandhan, particularly ahead of the crucial polls scheduled for November 6 and 11, 2025. JMM leaders highlighted past instances where they felt sidelined, recalling assurances of three seats in the 2020 Bihar election that were allegedly not honored, and their accommodation of allies in the 2024 Jharkhand polls.
The party's leadership, including Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, will now review its alliance with the Congress and RJD in Jharkhand, signaling potential repercussions for the broader INDIA bloc. Sudivya Kumar emphasized that the 'betrayal will not be forgotten' and that the 'political cunningness' displayed by the RJD and Congress was 'not appropriate in politics.'
5 Comments
BuggaBoom
This shows JMM's strength and commitment to its own voters, not weakness.
KittyKat
It's clear JMM feels genuinely wronged by RJD and Congress over seat-sharing, which is a common friction point in coalitions. Yet, prioritizing individual party interests risks fragmenting the opposition vote, ultimately benefiting their common adversary.
Noir Black
Typical JMM drama, always rocking the boat right before crucial elections.
Eugene Alta
Childish move by JMM. They should have compromised for the greater good.
Kyle Broflovski
While JMM's feeling of betrayal is understandable given the past, this withdrawal severely weakens the INDIA bloc's chances in Bihar. Alliances require compromise, but also mutual respect in seat allocation.