The upcoming Bihar Assembly election is shaping up to be more than just a political contest. It is also a test of relationships including personal and political. This election season is expected to forge new alliances while straining or even breaking old ones.

Even before the polls were announced, cracks began to appear within the family of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav. His elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, has floated a separate party and announced he will contest independently. Meanwhile, Lalu’s daughter, Rohini Acharya, has in recent days displayed open defiance against her younger brother and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

Tensions are also evident in opposition negotiations. Congress is demanding more seats than the 70 it contested last time, but Tejashwi is reluctant to concede beyond 60,

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