Tejashwi Yadav declares RJD will contest all 243 Bihar seats ahead of Mahagathbandhan seat-sharing talks

In a bold move ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has announced that his party is prepared to contest all 243 seats in the state. The declaration comes at a time when seat-sharing negotiations within the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) are still underway, intensifying the political equations before the polls.

Yadav’s statement has added a new dimension to Bihar’s political discourse, sparking speculation about possible rifts in the opposition alliance and the RJD’s strategy to assert its dominance.

Tejashwi Yadav’s Announcement

Speaking at a public meeting on Sunday, Tejashwi Yadav said that while the RJD remains committed to the Mahagathbandhan, his party is fully prepared to contest all 243 constituencies independently if needed.

The announcement, made just weeks before the Election Commission is expected to finalize the election schedule, is being viewed as both a message of strength and a negotiation tactic aimed at ensuring the RJD gets a majority share in the seat allocation.

Impact on Mahagathbandhan Seat Sharing

The Mahagathbandhan in Bihar currently includes the RJD, Congress, Left parties, and several regional allies. Seat-sharing has historically been a contentious issue within the alliance, often leading to prolonged discussions and occasional disagreements.

• RJD’s stance: The RJD, as the largest party in the alliance, has consistently sought the lion’s share of seats.
• Congress position: Congress leaders are pushing for a respectable number of constituencies to remain relevant in Bihar politics.
• Left parties: Smaller parties within the coalition are wary that RJD’s aggressive approach may overshadow their bargaining power.

Tejashwi’s declaration of readiness to contest all seats is seen as an attempt to secure leverage in these negotiations.

Reactions from Political Circles

The announcement has triggered sharp responses from both allies and rivals.

• Congress leaders have so far maintained silence, but sources indicate unease about being sidelined in seat-sharing talks.
• BJP and NDA leaders have dismissed Tejashwi’s statement as “political drama,” suggesting that the Mahagathbandhan is struggling with internal differences.
• Regional commentators argue that the move signals Tejashwi’s confidence in RJD’s grassroots base, especially among youth and backward caste voters.

The Bigger Picture in Bihar Politics

The Bihar Assembly elections are expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in 2025, with multiple factors shaping the narrative:

• The NDA alliance, led by the BJP and JD(U), is banking on governance and development issues.
• The RJD-led Mahagathbandhan is framing its campaign around unemployment, inflation, and social justice.
• The entry of smaller players like AIMIM and other regional outfits could further fragment the vote base.

By signaling readiness to go solo, Tejashwi Yadav is not only putting pressure on allies but also projecting RJD as a self-reliant force capable of challenging the ruling NDA.

Conclusion

Tejashwi Yadav’s announcement that the RJD will contest all 243 seats in Bihar has raised the stakes in the upcoming assembly elections. While it remains to be seen whether the Mahagathbandhan can reach a consensus on seat-sharing, the statement underlines the RJD leader’s strategy to keep his party at the center of Bihar’s political battlefield.

As the countdown to the elections begins, all eyes will be on how this bold assertion shapes the opposition’s unity and the overall contest in Bihar.

Backlinks

• Related: Bihar Election 2025 date updates
• Read: EC’s stance on Bihar voter roll
• More: Mahagathbandhan’s past performance in Bihar