EXPLAINED | Not Just NDA & Mahagathbandhan, Other Alliances Emerge As Third Fronts In Bihar Elections 2020

The 15 saal banaam 15 saal (15 years of NDA rule compared to 15 years of the RJD government) debate has emerged as a big reason to worry for the two gigantic political fronts, giving noteworthy possibilities to other parties to gain momentum.

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Patna: In Bihar, largely three political parties - Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Janata Dal United (JDU) - have been holding dominance amongst voters for several decades. However, things are slightly different this time around with a substantial section of voters being of the opinion that both National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Mahagathbandhan were not able to uplift the backward state (with great potential of development, of course). The 15 saal banaam 15 saal (15 years of NDA rule compared to 15 years of the RJD government) debate has emerged as a big reason to worry for the two gigantic political fronts, giving noteworthy possibilities to other regional/ out-of-state parties to capitalise the momentum. With less than a month to the much-awaited Bihar Assembly Elections, two new alliances have been formed in the state. Here's all you need to know about it: Grand Democratic Secular Alliance With an aim to give tough challenge to both NDA and Mahagathbandhan, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM)’s Asaduddin Owaisi has joined hands with Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP)’s Upendra Kushwaha to form the Grand Democratic Secular Alliance. Even the Bahujan Samaj Party and former RJD MP Devendra Prasad Yadav’s Samajwadi Janata Dal (Democratic) are part of alliance. Kushwaha has been finalised as the chief ministerial candidate of the alliance. If statistics are to be believed, both Owaisi and Kushwaha might not be able to sweep the polls, but may very well cut into the votes of BJP, RJD and JDU in constituencies where they have strong hold. Owaisi has a significant grip in Muslim-dominated regions in Seemanchal belt in seats such as Kathihar, Purnea, Kishanganj and Araria. Likewise,  RLSP chief has considerable dominance in regions with sizeable Kushwaha population. Kushwaha can get significant votes in constituencies such as Jamui, East and West Champaran, Nalanda and Arwal. Progressive Democratic Alliance Bhim Army founder Chandrashekar Azad Ravan last month announced the launch of Progressive Democratic Alliance (PDA) with support from various regional political parties to contest the Bihar Assembly elections. The alliance has Jan Adhikar Party led by Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav as one of its flag bearers. Azad Samaj Party (ASP) - a political outfit launched by the Bhim Army is also a part of the alliance. Other regional parties Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and Bahujan Mukti Party (BMP) which is active in Bundelkhand and East UP region of Uttar Pradesh also joined the alliance. Chandrashekhar's entry into Bihar politics could be yet another reason to worry for both NDA and Mahagathbandhan as the former might emerge as vibrant face in Dalit dominated areas of Bihar. Double Trouble for NDA and Mahagathbandhan With third fronts mushrooming in poll-bound Bihar, many have already started seeing them as an alternative to Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav. But looking at the political warefare and history of Bihar, it would also not be wrong to say that these are seasonal alliance and might not be able to lure significant vote share as they have very minimal political base in the state. Withstanding aforementioned factors, it cannot be ignored that two of the biggest political fronts are themselves reeling under internal cracks within the alliances. While the Grand Alliance is racing against time to seal the seat sharing deal as the smaller partners are looking for a larger share this time, Nitish Kumar widening rift with Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) exposed the stressed relationship between two of BJP's key partners who were crucial for the NDA to retain power in Bihar.