Overview

• Congress has pushed for about 70 seats but party insiders say it may contest roughly 60–62 to prioritise winnability and accommodate partners.
• CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya urged Congress to be realistic, citing its 2020 return of 19 wins from 70 contests, and said his party has sought around 40 seats.
• RJD leaders reminded Congress of its 2020 strike rate, while smaller allies such as VIP are pressing for large shares, with VIP also seeking a deputy chief minister post.
• Negotiators expect a deal to take shape after Navratri or by early October, following earlier delays linked to the SIR agitation and a missed coordination meeting on September 15.
• The alliance now includes RJD, Congress, Left parties and VIP, with reports suggesting JMM and the LJP (Paras faction) could join, as Congress emphasises quality seats and may drop underperforming incumbents.