The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) announced on Monday that it will not contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. The decision comes days after the party had planned to run on six seats.

The party, led by Hemant Soren in Jharkhand, had earlier targeted Chakai, Dhamdaha, Katoria, Manihari, Jamui, and Pirpainti. Observers saw this as a challenge to its allies in the Mahagathbandhan, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, amid seat-sharing disputes.

JMM Alleges Betrayal

Senior JMM leader Sudivya Kumar said the party felt sidelined. He accused RJD and Congress of a “political conspiracy” by denying JMM seats in Bihar. He added that the alliance arrangement in Jharkhand may also be reconsidered due to this perceived betrayal.

The party said it had already conceded seats to RJD in Jharkhand—seven in 2019 and six in 2024—and even accommodated RJD ministers. Yet, it received no reciprocal respect in Bihar. JMM had warned that it would go alone unless a “respectable number” of seats were allocated by October 15. Since the condition was not met, it exited abruptly.

Impact on Opposition Unity

JMM’s withdrawal weakens the opposition bloc just before the Bihar elections. It also shows the party’s frustration with its allies. The move may influence tribal voters and shape perceptions of political respect and representation.

The JMM confirmed it will not actively campaign for the alliance in Bihar. It is also reviewing its coalition terms with RJD and Congress in Jharkhand. The six seats the party planned to contest are now shelved, but alliance dynamics in both states may shift further.

Opposition Struggles While NDA Finalizes Seats

The NDA has completed its seat-sharing deal. Meanwhile, the opposition is still negotiating. The deadline for filing nominations for the first phase has already passed. JMM’s exit adds more uncertainty to opposition strategies and campaigns.