Mahagathbandhan

Mahagathbandhan, literally meaning “grand alliance,” is a term used in Indian politics to describe coalitions formed by multiple opposition parties that come together to challenge the ruling party, typically the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies. The exact composition and purpose of a Mahagathbandhan vary by state and election, but the unifying goal is to coordinate candidates, share seats, and present a united front against the dominant political force.

The most prominent use of the term occurred in Bihar during the 2015 state elections. A grand alliance comprising the Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal, and the Indian National Congress, along with other smaller parties, defeated the BJP-led NDA and won a majority of seats, leading Nitish Kumar to become chief minister. The alliance’s tenure ended in 2017 when Nitish Kumar shifted allegiance to the BJP, highlighting the fragility of such coalitions in a polarized political environment.

Beyond Bihar, the term has been applied to national and regional efforts to unite opposition parties against the BJP in various elections. In the run-up to the 2019 general elections, several parties sought to form a nationwide platform to challenge the ruling party, with the arrangement described by media and commentators as a Mahagathbandhan. The coalitions in different states often included the Indian National Congress, regional parties, and other national players, though their lineups shifted over time due to ideological differences and strategic considerations.

Overall, Mahagathbandhan denotes an approach to electoral strategy that emphasizes unity among diverse parties to maximize electoral impact, while facing challenges related toLeadership, ideology, and seat-sharing. See also: Grand Alliance (Bihar 2015), Opposition unity in India.