By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar: Since Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took charge as the BJP’s election in-charge for Bihar, the political equation in the state has dramatically shifted. Under his strategic leadership, the NDA’s strength has visibly increased, while the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) is facing growing internal cracks between the Congress and RJD.
As the nomination period for the first phase of Bihar Assembly elections has officially ended, confusion and tension still persist within the opposition alliance regarding seat sharing. This internal conflict has now escalated into a direct fight between Congress and RJD candidates in several key constituencies.
In Vaishali, for instance, RJD has fielded Ajay Kushwaha, a former JD(U) leader, while Congress has announced Sanjeev Singh as its candidate from the same seat. Similarly, in Rajapakar and Bahdabara, both the Congress and CPI have fielded their own nominees. Such overlapping nominations have deepened the rift within the Mahagathbandhan and exposed its organisational weakness.
While the opposition struggles with seat confusion and ego clashes, the NDA has completed its candidate selection for all 243 seats, maintaining unity and clarity in strategy. This internal chaos within the Mahagathbandhan is directly benefiting the NDA, which now appears stronger and more confident ahead of polling.
Sources say Dharmendra Pradhan’s political management has not only consolidated the NDA’s ground network but also successfully created strategic divisions within rival camps, ensuring a smoother road for the BJP in several constituencies.
Key seats like Lalganj, Vaishali, Rajapakar, Bahdabara, Rosda, Bihar Sharif, and Gaudabauram are witnessing internal fights among Mahagathbandhan partners. Particularly in Gaudabauram, both RJD and Congress have pushed their candidates despite earlier talks that the VIP party would contest from there. The Election Commission has already accepted both RJD and Congress nominations — setting the stage for a direct alliance clash unless one of them withdraws by October 20.
In short, the Mahagathbandhan’s internal disunity has become the NDA’s biggest advantage, and Dharmendra Pradhan seems to be the architect behind this silent political masterstroke in Bihar.
