RJD Stands Firm on Seat Demand, Backs INDIA Bloc Despite Solo Poll Threat

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) expressed dissatisfaction with the seat-sharing arrangement between JMM and Congress for Jharkhand assembly elections. Insisting on at least 12 seats, RJD pledges not to undermine the INDIA bloc, even if it contests independently. It aims to defeat BJP and support bloc candidates.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has expressed its dissatisfaction over the seat-sharing deal between the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections. Despite the friction, the RJD insists it will not undermine the prospects of the INDIA bloc.

On Saturday, the JMM and Congress announced they would contest 70 of the state's 81 assembly seats, leaving a squeezed space for RJD. RJD spokesperson Manoj Kumar Jha stated the party's firm stance on contesting no fewer than 12 seats, emphasizing their strong influence on 18-20 seats.

Even though RJD is contemplating a solo run, the party vows to extend support to INDIA bloc candidates on 60 to 62 seats, underscoring their shared objective of defeating the BJP. In the previous election, RJD contested seven seats, securing one.

(With inputs from agencies.)