Patna: In a move that has stirred unease within Bihar’s opposition bloc, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has fielded five candidates against its ally, the Congress, for the upcoming assembly elections, triggering speculation of a brewing rift within the Mahagathbandhan.

The RJD’s latest list of nominees includes candidates in seats already claimed by the Congress and another alliance partner, the Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP). The RJD has put up contenders in Vaishali, Lalganj and Kahalgaon—constituencies where Congress has either declared or proposed its candidates. It will also take on VIP in Tarapur and Gaura Boram. ADVERTISEMENT

The decision comes amid an ongoing tussle over seat-sharing among Mahagathbandhan partners. Talks for the second phase of the elections, which cover 122 of Bi

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