Who was Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr? Remains of US soldier who fell off cliff in Morocco found in oceanLt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., an Air Defense Artillery officer, was found dead after going missing during the African Lion military exercise in Morocco. Published on: May 11
A body found in New South Wales is thought to be that of a man wanted over the murder of three people in a small Australian town in January. Julian Ingram was on bail for domestic violence offences at the time of the killings of his pregnant ex-partner Sophie Quinn
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay visited former Chief Minister MK Stalin at his residence. This meeting occurs days before the government faces a crucial floor test in the Assembly. Vijay also met MDMK founder Vaiko. The visit follows recent sharp criticism from Vijay regarding the state's
A new rural employment law, the VB-G RAM G Act, will replace MGNREGA on July 1. The government states it offers 125 days of guaranteed wage employment and aims for rural transformation. The Congress party criticizes the move, calling it an exercise in centralisation
Barcelona turned the Clasico into a coronation on Sunday (May 10, 2026), swatting aside Real Madrid 2-0 at a roaring Camp Nou to claim their 29th LaLiga title. Hansi Flick’s side moved to an unassailable 91 points, 14 clear of second-placed Real with three games remaining
Google has settled with Black employees who alleged systemic racial disparities in hiring, pay, and advancement in a lawsuit filed in 2022. April Curley, a former Google employee, had sued the tech giant for racial discrimination, saying it engages in a “pattern and practice” of unfair
It’s safe to say Max Verstappen’s latest racing adventure has taken the motorsport world by storm. The four-time F1 World Champion is set to compete in the iconic 24 Hours of Nurburgring later this month — and the hype surrounding his appearance has already pushed the event to a complete
Beijing has confirmed that US President Donald Trump will travel to China this week to meet Xi Jinping. The visit, from 13-15 May, will be the first to China by a US president in nearly a decade - and comes at a pivotal moment for ties between the world's two largest economies
Congress must be realistic, RJD accommodative in seat-sharing talks for Bihar polls: Dipankar Bhattacharya
The Left party's general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya asserted that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the largest partner of the opposition Grand Alliance, also known as 'Mahagathbandhan', should be "more accommodative" of smaller allies as the INDIA bloc in Bihar is likely to expand with the probable entry of new players.
Bhattacharya said his party was hoping to contest at least 40 of the 243 seats, up from 19 it had fought in the previous election.
At the same time, he made it clear that there was "no ambiguity" over RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav being the bloc's chief ministerial face if the Grand Alliance came to power.
"Talks are underway... Things got a little delayed because of the agitation over SIR, because of the time and energy we had to devote to this disruption. But I am hopeful that by the end of this month, we will have a clearer picture," Bhattacharya told PTI in an interview.
On Congress' demand for more seats after its recent 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', Bhattacharya was blunt, "I saw reports" onclick="showFullScrImg(this)"/>
CPI(ML) Liberation urges Congress to be realistic in Bihar seat-sharing talks, learning from their 2020 performance. Dipankar Bhattacharya emphasizes the need for RJD to accommodate smaller allies as the INDIA bloc expands.
CPI(ML) Liberation, a constituent of the Grand Alliance in Bihar, hoped that the Congress would adopt a "more realistic" approach in the ongoing seat-sharing talks for the upcoming assembly elections, drawing lessons from its performance in the 2020 polls when it had "bitten off more than it could possibly chew".
The Left party's general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya asserted that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the largest partner of the opposition Grand Alliance, also known as 'Mahagathbandhan', should be "more accommodative" of smaller allies as the INDIA bloc in Bihar is likely to expand with the probable entry of new players.
Bhattacharya said his party was hoping to contest at least 40 of the 243 seats, up from 19 it had fought in the previous election.
At the same time, he made it clear that there was "no ambiguity" over RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav being the bloc's chief ministerial face if the Grand Alliance came to power.
"Talks are underway... Things got a little delayed because of the agitation over SIR, because of the time and energy we had to devote to this disruption. But I am hopeful that by the end of this month, we will have a clearer picture," Bhattacharya told PTI in an interview.
On Congress' demand for more seats after its recent 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', Bhattacharya was blunt, "I saw reports about some Congress leaders seeking around 70 seats. But last time they contested 70 and managed to win only 19."
He contrasted this with the 2015 polls when the RJD-JD(U)-Congress coalition, which kept the Left out, had performed better.
"In 2015, Congress contested 40 seats and won 27. That was a very good strike rate. But in 2020, when they contested 70, it was biting off more than they could possibly chew. So I think the balance should be somewhere in between," he remarked.
"Maybe contesting fewer seats than last time but winning more and performing better... would be in the interest of the Congress, and definitely that of the entire INDIA bloc," he added, urging the party to be "realistic".
In the 2020 elections, the Grand Alliance -- then comprising the RJD, Congress and Left parties -- gave a spirited fight but fell short of majority, with political observers blaming the grand old party's poor strike rate for dragging the alliance down.
The RJD had emerged as the single-largest party, winning 75 of the 144 seats it contested, while Congress won only 19. The CPI(ML) Liberation emerged as the surprise performer, winning 12 of the 19 seats it contested, while CPI and CPI(M) bagged two each.
Bhattacharya also said that the RJD, as the biggest partner, followed by the Congress, must be flexible and accommodative.
"The CPI(ML) Liberation was underrepresented last time and we want fair representation this time. There are new allies too, which means RJD and Congress will have to contest fewer seats compared to 2020. They have to be more accommodative," he said.
Currently, six parties form the Grand Alliance -- RJD, Congress, CPI(ML) Liberation, CPI, CPI(M) and Mukesh Sahni's Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), a new entrant. The Lok Janshakti Party (Paras faction) and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) are also likely to be part of it ahead of the polls due later this year.
"We will have to accommodate a few more people. I am not sure if JMM will contest as a party or field some candidates... But the point is, the alliance has grown bigger and we need to reflect that in seat-sharing," he said.
On the Mahagathbandhan's CM candidate, he said, "There may not be any formal announcement, but RJD is the biggest party of the INDIA bloc. So, the leader of the opposition (Tejashwi Yadav) is obviously the chief ministerial face. There is no ambiguity about it."
"The only reason why this formal announcement is not being made is probably because people think you don't put the cart before the horse. We will cross the bridge when we come to it, after securing a majority," he said.
Asked about the possibility of deputy chief ministers, following subtle demands by certain allies, Bhattacharya said, "These things can wait till we have a clear picture after the elections."
Bhattacharya said CPI(ML) Liberation hopes to contest more seats and districts this time.
"Last time, we contested only 19 seats but won 12. More than that, we contested from only 12 of Bihar's 38 districts. So we hope we get to contest from more districts, on more seats," he said.
"We have already submitted a list of some 40 seats. The talks are on. We want to contest from both south and north Bihar. Because, wherever we contested last time, if you look at those districts, you will see that we managed to lift the performance of the whole coalition," he added.
Bhattacharya said the INDIA bloc was determined not to repeat the "near-miss of 2020".
"Last time, the INDIA bloc gave a good fight but missed the mark. That is why we hope we get a decisive mandate this time because if it is a narrow majority, it will be very difficult to sustain the government with the kind of dirty games the BJP plays," he said.
In 2020, the BJP had won 74 seats, whereas its ally Nitish Kumar's JD(U) bagged 43 seats. The VIP, which was then part of NDA, and Hindustani Awam Morcha won four seats each.
On the ruling NDA's possible strategy, he scoffed, "They are all pretending that Nitish Kumar is their chosen CM candidate till 2030 but in reality, there is a very strong anti-incumbency and anger against the NDA government in Bihar."
Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: RJD, Congress should be realistic on Bihar seat sharing with allies Congress appoints panel for seat-sharing talks with DMK Congress-DMK will begin seat-sharing talks soon Congress Poses Seat-Sharing Challenge For RJD Congress and DMK to begin seat-sharing talks next week DMK Congress seat-sharing talks gather pace amid TVK speculation Congress Poses Seat-Sharing Challenge For RJD Bihar BJP chief says seat-sharing finalised for Assembly polls No hitch in seat sharing in Bihar Bihar Opposition allies resume seat-sharing talks
With rising temperatures in numerous cities of India, air conditioners have emerged once again as one of the biggest categories at the ongoing Amazon Great Summer Sale on day 4 for buyers. Several brands are offering attractive deals on inverter split ACs, smart and Wi-Fi enabled units
1 days ago
Kyle Busch update: Why did NASCAR star seek medical attention after Watkins Glen Cup Series race? Concerns pour inKyle Busch requested medical assistance during the Go Bowling at The Glen while racing in the top five. Published on: May 11, 2026 4:33 PM IST By Shweta Kukreti Share via Copy link
1 days ago
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to citizens to cut fuel consumption, avoid gold purchases and adopt other measures to help the country withstand global economic uncertainties amid the West Asia conflict were “proofs of failure”, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Monday
1 days ago
If you opened X (formerly Twitter) today, you likely saw a name topping the charts that isn’t a politician, a cricketer, or a movie star. Instead, India is currently obsessed with two people most of the internet didn’t know yesterday: Mohan and Pooja.If you opened X (formerly Twitter) today
1 days ago
A French woman and two Americans tested positive or showed symptoms of hantavirus on Monday (May 11, 2026) as nations around the world scrambled to repatriate passengers from a cruise ship hit by an outbreak and quarantine or isolate them. Passengers from the ship began flying home aboard military
1 days ago
Isabella Stroupe GoFundMe: Family speaks out after North Carolina teen tortured, killed by BF, ‘Just like a nightmare…’A GoFundMe has been launched for Isabella Alexandria Stroupe, a 19-year-old who was found dead inside a North Carolina home. Her boyfriend has been arrested
1 days ago
P6, fastest lap: Racing prodigy Atiqa Mir makes big impact on 'dream' FIA Karting debutP6, fastest lap: Racing prodigy Atiqa Mir makes big impact on 'dream' FIA Karting debut Published on: May 11, 2026 3:38 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Valencia
1 days ago
After taking oath as West Bengal Chief Minister on May 9, 2026, Suvendu Adhikari chaired his first Cabinet meeting on Monday (May 11, 2026) and said his government has granted transfer of land to the BSF for erecting a fence along the Bangladesh border and approved immediate implementation of the
1 days ago
Constantly multitasking and exhausted? Therapist reveals 5 practices for mothers to prevent burnoutMothers often ignore their mental health, which gradually builds up and causes burnout. Know how to protect maternal mental well-being. Published on: May 11
1 days ago
When tech companies are firing employees at an accelerating pace and AI eating away those jobs that have until now been done by humans only, Nvidia founder Jensen Huang has tried to play down doomsday fears of youngsters by saying that ‘it’s the ideal time to enter the workforce’
1 days ago
Daily essential products such as soaps, detergents, biscuits, packaged foods, and beverages are expected to get costlier as leading FMCG companies are preparing for calibrated price hikes on account of rising crude-linked inflation, higher packaging costs
1 days ago
CBSE (Central Bureau of Secondary Education) results for Class 12 2026 are being eagerly awaited by millions of students across the country. Approximately 18 lakh students are reported to have appeared for the exam in the 2026 academic session across Science
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.10 vacuum cleaners that let you clean your entire home without breaking a sweatDiscover 10 vacuum cleaners with strong suction, wet and dry cleaning
1 days ago
Moments after Austria overtook Israel to win last May's Eurovision Song Contest and in doing so won the right to host this year's event, UK viewers heard commentator Graham Norton say organisers "will be breathing the largest sigh of relief that they're not faced with a Tel Aviv final next year"
1 days ago
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Monday that his government, in its first Cabinet meeting, gave its nod for land to be transferred to the Border Security Force to erect a fence along the border with Bangladesh, PTI reported
1 days ago
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday directed the state police chief to investigate a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act case filed against Bandi Bhagirath, the son of Union minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar. The chief minister “questioned” Director General of Police CV
1 days ago
As AI reshapes hiring and workforce expectations, colleges are entering a new competitive landscape where rankings alone are no longer enough. Institutions are increasingly being judged on employability, technological relevance, industry alignment, and future readiness
1 days ago
The Indian stock market fell about 1.5% on Monday amid higher global oil prices and concerns about the economic impact of the conflict in West Asia on India’s economy. The benchmark Sensex had fallen more than 1,300 points, or nearly 1.7%, at the end of the session
1 days ago
Pune to have India’s first Low Emission Zone, tourist hotspots to followIn a first for an Indian city, Pune will institutionalise a low-emission zone (LEZ) in its most polluted area, Shivajinagar in the central business district, potentially creating a template for other Indian cities
1 days ago
It’s safe to say Marcus Rashford is enjoying life in Catalonia. After arriving at Barcelona on loan from Manchester United, the England forward has rediscovered both his confidence and his spark under Hansi Flick. But on Sunday night, Rashford delivered his biggest moment yet on the grandest
1 days ago
The New Age Aspirant: Competitive exams, content, and confusionAspirants have easier access to lectures, test series than ever before. Information is no longer scarce, and that has quietly changed the way students prepare. Published on: May 11
1 days ago
Dehradun YouTuber Himadri Patel shares no 1 tip for negotiating brand deals and 1 mistake costing content creators moneyHimadri Patel says that the secret to a sustainable income isn't just about high views — it’s about treating your brand like a business from day one. Published on: May 11
1 days ago
Amitabh Bachchan asks his security to behave well with fans who come to meet outside Jalsa: ‘Janta janardhan hoti hai’Amitabh Bachchan has kept the tradition of meeting fans outside his Mumbai bungalow, Jalsa, for many years now. May 11, 2026
1 days ago
Watch: Bengaluru IT couple swims from Sri Lanka to India in 11 hours, internet calls them 'Legends'The clip showed the pair battling rough waves, strong currents and changing winds throughout the journey. Published on: May 11, 2026 4:16 PM IST By Bhavya Sukheja Share via Copy link For most people
1 days ago
PSEB 12th Result 2026 Date: Punjab Board Class 12 results releasing on May 13PSEB 12th Result 2026 Date have been announced. The Punjab Board Class 12 results will be released on May 13, 2026. Updated on: May 11, 2026 2:38 PM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Share via Copy link
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Can’t hear dialogue and explosions sound too loud? These Dolby Atmos home theatre systems fix bothSony, JBL and Samsung Dolby Atmos home theatre systems now offer cinematic surround
1 days ago
Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Andy Flower faced a fine for using audible obscenity during a match against Mumbai Indians. The incident occurred during a tense moment in the game. Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a thrilling last-ball victory
1 days ago
