AAP testing political waters in Bihar… will it cause a stir in Mahagathbandhan?

With just a few months left for the Bihar Assembly elections, the political atmosphere in the state is heating up. Amidst this, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has started testing political water in Bihar, signaling its intent to play a role in the upcoming polls. Recently, AAP organized a one-day protest in Patna’s Gardanibagh, led by Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and Bihar in-charge Sanjeev Jha, with hundreds of party workers participating.

AAP raises voice for Biharis in Delhi

AAP’s protest was centered around the alleged mistreatment of Biharis and migrants from Purvanchal in Delhi, particularly regarding the demolition of slums in which many Bihari families reside. Addressing the crowd, Sanjay Singh made a sharp attack on the BJP government in Delhi, stating:

“BJP is demolishing the homes and shops of Bihari people who have been living in Delhi for the past 40–50 years. I have come to Bihar to tell my brothers and sisters that those who are being driven out of Delhi by BJP should respond by ousting them from Bihar in the elections.”

This strong emotional appeal was not only an attack on the BJP’s policies but also a strategic attempt by AAP to connect with Bihar’s voters by championing their cause.

But what about Mahagathbandhan ?

A key political question now is whether AAP will join the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), which includes the Congress, RJD, and other regional parties. This alliance is currently the main opposition bloc to the BJP-led NDA in Bihar. However, recent relations between AAP and Congress have been strained.

• After the Congress’s poor performance in Haryana and AAP’s defeat in Delhi, both parties publicly blamed each other.

• Congress had aggressively campaigned against AAP in the Delhi Assembly elections.

• Congress still holds AAP responsible for vote division in Gujarat and Haryana, affecting its prospects.

Given this backdrop, a smooth partnership between the two seems unlikely. However, it is worth noting that both AAP and Congress, along with RJD, are part of the INDIA bloc at the national level.

Also Read: Makhana: Bihar’s “superfood” becoming a political symbol, BJP takes the lead

So will AAP contests alone?

If AAP decides to contest the Bihar elections on its own, it could significantly impact the Mahagathbandhan’s prospects by splitting the anti-BJP vote, especially among urban and younger voters where AAP has some appeal.

• This could dilute the caste and community-based consolidation that parties like RJD and Congress rely on.

• A three-cornered contest could ultimately benefit the BJP by dividing the opposition vote.