Mahagathbandhan Rift Widens in Bihar: RJD–Congress Tensions Escalate After “Aukat” Remark; BJP Takes a Dig

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Patna, 29 November 2025: The Bihar Mahagathbandhan appears to be heading toward a possible split as tensions between the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress have intensified following a controversial remark by RJD’s state president Mangani Lal Mandal. In the aftermath of the 2025 Assembly election defeat, both allies have begun blaming each other, triggering a fresh political storm.

RJD Tells Congress to “Know Its Aukat”
RJD state president Mangani Lal Mandal launched a scathing attack on the Congress, claiming that whatever seats and votes the party secured in the Bihar elections were solely due to RJD’s strong support base.
“If Congress wants to pursue a separate political path, they are free to do so. They will then realise their actual strength,” Mandal said. He also reminded Congress that in the 2020 elections, the party had contested 72 seats and won 19—victories he attributed entirely to RJD’s backing.

Congress Hits Back: “Those Who Don’t Understand Respect Can’t Understand Coalition Dharma”
Mandal’s remark triggered a strong response from Congress spokesperson Asitnath Tiwari.
“If Congress has no political relevance, why would anyone seek an alliance with us?” Tiwari asked. He stressed that partners in a coalition must respect each other, adding, “Those who don’t understand the value of respect cannot understand the dharma of alliance politics.”

BJP Seizes the Opportunity
The escalating friction offered the BJP a perfect opening for political commentary. BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain mocked the alliance, saying, “They were fighting before the elections, and they are still fighting after the elections.” He added that the ongoing dispute shows a clear lack of coordination within the Mahagathbandhan.

Is the Alliance Heading Toward a Breakup?
With both sides hardening their stance and trading public barbs even before conducting a joint review of the election loss, political observers are speculating whether the long-standing RJD–Congress partnership may be nearing its end.

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