CPI(M) leader Saira Shah Haleem said in an interview given to a private TV channel that I like Rahul Gandhi very much. He has also given a statement related to the Grand Alliance in the midst of the ongoing elections in Bihar. He said that the opposition now needs a clear face and direction. In his words, Rahul Gandhi is a struggling leader and Priyanka has the ability to connect with the public, but the opposition will now have to give a clear political message. Saira also said that when the ruling party has a face like Narendra Modi, then the INDIA alliance should also put forward its prime ministerial candidate so that there is no confusion among the voters.

Remembering senior CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, Saira said that he has been a fearless and pro-people leader. He said that Comrade Yechury was never afraid to ask questions to those in power. Today, such frankness as his voice is rarely seen in politics.

Challenges of INDIA alliance and opposition
Saira Shah Haleem admitted that the INDIA alliance is still not fully coordinated at the level of unity and strategy. He said that Left and Congress are face to face in Kerala but are together at the national level. This contradiction creates confusion among the public. He believes that the opposition should present not just unity but also an ideological vision, which could become a solid alternative model to BJP’s politics.

Rahul Gandhi and left ideology
When she was asked whether Rahul Gandhi was leaning towards leftist ideas, Saira said that in the present times, there is a historical need for the cooperation of Congress and the Left to protect democracy and the Constitution. He said that we are ideologically different, but it is necessary to move together to save democracy. Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s campaigns like Bharat Jodo Yatra and Nyay Yatra, Saira believed that they reflect equality, social justice and inclusivity, which are close to traditional leftist values.

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The Congress Working Committee meeting is being held today (Wednesday) in the capital Patna. Prior to Bihar elections (2025), this historic meeting is being held in Sadaqat Ashram in Patna. In the midst of this meeting, what can be the seat sharing formula in the grand alliance, it has come out of the sources. According to 2020, RJD, Left and VIP are not damaged but Congress may have a big loss.

Congress can get 52 seats in this election

If sources are to be believed, RJD can contest the most 140 seats. At the same time, Congress can get 52 seats. The Left can get 35 (it includes CPIML, CPI and CPM) and VIP can get 15 seats. There is a possibility of a little up and down in this formula, if the Pashupati Paras party comes into the RLJP and JMM Grand Alliance, then they can be given 2-2 seats.

On the said formula, talks are being held between the parties of the Grand Alliance. A formal announcement can be made as soon as all the parties agreed. Everything will be done this time on the basis of the formula of seat sharing during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2024, out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, RJD 23 and Congress contested nine seats. At the same time, Left parties got five seats (CPIML three, CPM one, CPI one). VIP got three seats.

Talking about the 2020 assembly elections, RJD fought on 144 in the Grand Alliance. Congress fought in 70 seats. At the same time, left parties contested 29 seats. In left parties, CPM was given four seats, CPI six and CPI Male was given 19 seats.

Congress could not perform better in 2020

Please tell that in the 2020 assembly elections, Congress was given 70 seats. However, the party’s candidates did not perform brilliantly and lost most seats. The Congress won only 19 seats. Many times Lalu Yadav has also said that whether the Congress should be given more seats to lose more seats? On the other hand, it will be seen whether the Congress believes in less seats or puts some more pressure to increase.