Tensions within the Mahagathbandhan alliance appear to have eased after Senior Congress Leader Ashok Gehlot and AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru met with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav at his Patna residence. The meeting comes ahead of the two-phase Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for November.

Speaking after the discussions, Gehlot emphasized that the alliance remains united despite minor overlaps in some constituencies. “We had a good discussion. There is a press conference tomorrow. Every confusion will be clear tomorrow. The Mahagathbandhan is contesting the elections together. There are 243 seats in Bihar; there can be a friendly fight on 5-10 seats,” he said.

Gehlot confirmed that Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav would campaign together, although he refrained from confirming whether Yadav will be the alliance’s Chief Ministerial face. “We had a good discussion with Lalu ji and Tejashwi Yadav. We will campaign together and win the elections,” Gehlot added.

AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru said the meeting focused on electoral strategies and post-election governance plans. “Every detail will be given tomorrow. NDA should answer what they have done in the last five years,” he remarked.

The alliance reportedly faces minor overlaps in approximately 12 constituencies where multiple allies have filed nominations, a situation described as a “friendly fight” by Mahagathbandhan leaders. However, the ruling NDA has criticized these internal differences. LJP leader Chirag Paswan called the alliance’s internal friction a sign of collapse even before the first ballot.

“The way infighting is going on in the Mahagathbandhan… these people either don’t know how to form an alliance or keep it intact. The people of Bihar have understood that they are not going to give the state into their hands,” Paswan stated.