NEW DELHI: As Bihar gears up for a two-phase election on November 6 and 11, it will decide the fate of the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) of opposition, which is eying to return to power in the state. For the ruling NDA, led by the BJP and JD(U), retaining power is about setting the tone for 2029 LS polls.

While the grand alliance is yet to announce its seat-sharing formula, the polls are seen as a test of unity for the main players Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress. The uneasy relationship between the two may deepen as Congress is looking to bargain for some ‘winnable seats’.

The Congress contested 70 seats in 2020 but won only 19. The party is expected to contest 60-65 seats to accommodate alliance partners, said a leader. The RJD contested 144 seats and won 75, while the

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