Smaller parties, rebel biggies in Bihar game

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan, the two main political fronts in Bihar, have commenced their campaign for 2019 general election, but smaller parties as well as some individual political bigwigs plan to play spoilsport in some seats.

These parties and leaders, who were unable to crack a deal with either of the alliance, will throw their hat in the electoral fray solo, and may disturb the electoral equations in the state.

Foremost among them is the BSP, which has little sway in Bihar except for a few constituencies in western borders. The BSP will pitch candidates on all 40 seats and is likely to cut into Dalit votes. In 2014, it had polled over 2% votes, a crucial number for the Opposition alliance that is banking on each vote.

MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav's Jan Adhikar Party-Loktantrik (JAP-L) may also prove to be a troublemaker for the Grand Alliance (GA) in the Kosi region. "He and his wife Ranjeet Ranjan, a Congress MP, wanted to be accommodated on Congress tickets from Madhepura and Supaul, but the RJD opposed it. Now he will contest separately and trouble GA," a Congress leader said.

NCP had won over 1% votes in 2014, and may cut into GA votes in some seats.

Then there are splinter groups such as Samajwadi Janata Dal Democratic by ex-Samajwadi Party leader Devendra Yadav or JVP by Anil Kumar, which may turn tables in some of the seats.

Jehanabad MP and former RLSP leader Arun Kumar, who has not been able to get a ticket, also plans to contest the election solo and may make the contest triangular.

BSP factor

The BSP will pitch candidates on all 40 seats and is likely to cut into Dalit votes. In 2014, it had polled over 2% votes, a crucial number for the Opposition alliance that is banking on each vote