Federal tensions hurt Congress in seat talks

On the face of it, the Mahagathbandhan has clinched a seat deal in Bihar. But beneath the surface of agreement, there is disappointment, anger and suspicion, especially among the local Congress leadership, which believes the party has been shortchanged. The Congress’s claims about its ground strength are debatable. However, it is clear the RJD has taken care to ensure its largesse to India’s Grand Old Party (GOP) does not become a threat to its own influence at any point in the future. For instance, the RJD’s refusal to accommodate Pappu Yadav, who merged his outfit recently with the Congress, is a sign it is uncomfortable with a popular Yadav face rising in the leadership of even an ally.