PATNA, Sept. 4 -- The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is gearing up to contest the upcoming 2025 Bihar Assembly elections under the INDIA bloc umbrella for the first time, signalling a strategic shift from its past solo runs. This move comes after years of exclusion from Bihar's opposition alliances, despite the party's repeated overtures. In previous elections, JMM fought independently and secured modest gains, winning two seats (Chakai and Jhajha) in February 2005 and one in 2010, primarily by tapping into its influence among tribal and backward caste voters in border districts like Jamui, Banka and Katihar. In 2020 state polls, it contested four seats (Chakai, Belhar, Jhajha and Katoria) and bagged only a few votes. Initially aiming for 12 seats under the INDIA bloc, JMM has now moderated its demand to seven to eight, focusing on constituencies such as Tarapur, Katoria, Banka, Purnea, Dhamdaha and Chakai. Senior party leaders indicate flexibility, suggesting JMM could settle for fewer seats, if it ensures a cohesive alliance. This adjustment follows productive discussions between Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and Congress's Rahul Gandhi recently in Patna, where assurances on seat allocation were reportedly given. "This time, JMM will contest as part of the INDIA bloc in Bihar. Negotiation of seats is going on. Everything will be cleared in days to come," said Binod Pandey, general secretary, JMM central committee, adding that the crucial and final round of talks on seat-sharing might take place next week. The development is seen as a boost for opposition unity, especially in the wake of the recently concluded Rahul Gandhi-led Voter Adhikar Yatra. The yatra, which traversed 1,300 km across 25 districts in Bihar, featured participation from multiple INDIA bloc partners and projected a united opposition front against the NDA. Analysts believe this display of solidarity could help consolidate anti-NDA votes by fostering trust among diverse voter bases, reducing vote fragmentation and amplifying the bloc's messaging on issues like social justice. Adding to the dynamics, the RJD may feel obligated to reciprocate JMM's past generosity. In the 2024 Jharkhand polls, JMM-led alliance allotted seven seats to the RJD, despite the latter winning only a single seat. The RJD was even rewarded with a ministerial position even as it had a solitary presence in the Assembly, underscoring the alliance's commitment to mutual support. This history could pressure the RJD to accommodate JMM's demands in Bihar, strengthening inter-party ties within the INDIA framework. JMM's tribal identity gives it a unique edge in influencing voters in Kishanganj, Purnea, Jamui, Banka and Tharuhat areas in Champaran, where tribal communities form a substantial demographic. With Bihar home to over two million tribal voters, JMM's regional clout-combined with the RJD's appeal among OBCs and Congress's outreach to Muslims-could create a formidable counter to NDA's dominance in these pockets. Congress legislature party leader in Bihar Shakeel Ahmad Khan too supported the idea of JMM contesting along in Bihar. "After all, JMM is our trusted partner. The RJD leadership shall accommodate it," he added. Social expert Nawal Kishore Chaudhary said the Congress may have internalised key takeaways from the 2023 Madhya Pradesh elections. "There, the refusal to ally with the Samajwadi Party led to vote splitting, contributing to the Congress's defeat against the BJP. This experience highlighted the perils of disunity," Chaudhary noted....