As RJD emerges as the largest party in the Bihar Elections 2020, the party which is emerged as the best performer of the Mahagathbandhan are the left parties especially CPI-ML(Liberation). Of the 29 constituencies handed to the Left parties in the state elections this year, the CPI (M-L) contested on 19 seats, and the CPI and CPM on six and four seats respectively.
As per the latest trends, the Left parties — CPI, CPI(M) and CPI(ML) — which are fighting the elections in alliance with RJD and Congress, are leading in Agiaon, Arrah, Arwal, Balrampur, Bibhutipur, Darauli, Daraundha, Dumraon, Ghosi, Karakat, Manjhi, Matihani, Paliganj, Tarari, Warisnagar, Ziradei, Bachhwara, and Bakhri seats.
This is a major lead for left parties compared to their performance in the 2015 and 2010 elections. In 2010, only CPI managed to win a seat while in 2015, CPI(ML) grabbed three seats as the other two Left parties drew blank.
The exit polls had also predicted gains for the Left, especially CPI(ML), given that the message of economic justice given by RJD-led Mahagathbandhan was aggressively promoted by their cadre. The India Today-Axis exit poll had predicted the CPI(ML) could win 12-16 seats out of the 19 it contested.
Though much smaller than parties like RJD, BJP, JD(U), or even the Congress or LJP in terms of resources, CPI(ML) has one of the strongest cadres in Bihar. Observers say that the huge crowds in Mahagathbandhan rallies weren’t just because of the RJD but also the CPI(ML).
The Left parties’ presence in Tejashwi’s alliance comprising the RJD, Congress, CPI(ML), CPI and CPI(M) was completely in line with his message of economic justice.
The large cadre-based party has not only helped mobilise the masses for the mahagathbandhan but has also made the election around issues of migrant workers and employment.
The CPI(ML) also brought with it the support it gained through social movements that it has supported on the ground and this is reflected in some of its candidates.
The CPI(ML)’s social base also contributed a great deal to the Mahagathbandhan. In certain pockets, the CPI(ML) is strong among Mahadalits, Yadavs, and Extremely Backward Castes. The work done by the CPI(ML) leaders among the Dalits and Mahadalits for many years is also the main reason for their loyal support base.
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