PATNA, July 6 -- The CPI-ML (Liberation), a major Left constituent of the opposition INDIA bloc, has sought around 45 seats in the upcoming seat-sharing arrangement within the coalition, identifying at least one seat in each district, sources said. The party, which won 12 out of the 19 seats it contested in the 2020 Bihar Assembly polls, is eyeing a higher share this time to expand its political footprint across the state. "We have a stronghold not only in central Bihar but also in the north, Kosi, and Seemanchal regions. This time, we are seeking more seats based on our performance in the 2020 Assembly and 2024 Parliamentary polls," said a CPI-ML leader familiar with the discussions. Sources revealed that the party's top leadership has already submitted its list of preferred seats to the RJD and the INDIA bloc's coordination committee for consideration. "We have submitted a list of 40-45 seats to the coordination committee for allotment. Discussions will take place in the coming weeks to finalise the seat-sharing arrangement among Mahagathbandhan partners," said another CPI-ML leader. This time, the party is focusing on districts where it did not get seat allotments in the previous election, such as Aurangabad, Kaimur, and Nalanda in central and south Bihar. In north Bihar, the party is eyeing seats in districts like West Champaran, East Champaran, and Darbhanga. In the Seemanchal region, it is keen on contesting in Katihar and Purnea, along with select seats in Saharsa, sources added. CPI-ML state secretary Kunal confirmed the submission of the seat list, though he declined to specify the exact number of seats demanded. "Yes, we have submitted the list based on winnability. We are seeking a higher share of seats beyond the 19 we contested in 2020. A larger number of seats will boost the coalition's strike rate, as seen in the last Assembly polls," he said. He also emphasised that the party is hopeful of securing more seats in districts like Aurangabad, Nalanda, Kaimur, and various parts of north Bihar, where its representation was limited in the previous election. Over the past few months, CPI-ML general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya has been actively touring different districts to mobilise party workers and strengthen outreach among trade unions, agricultural labourers, contractual workers, and other core voter groups. In a recent media interaction, Bhattacharya expressed confidence that the seat-sharing formula within the Mahagathbandhan would be finalised smoothly, stating there were no major disagreements among allies. Meanwhile, the party on Saturday staged demonstrations at all block and district headquarters across the state to protest the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and demanded its suspension. State secretary Kunal said the party will also take part in the July 9 all-India strike called by trade unions and the INDIA bloc's "chakka jam" against the SIR and the alleged harassment of voters over documentation requirements. The SIR is being carried out in a completely haphazard manner. The poor and marginalised are the worst affected, as many of them lack the required documents to prove their date and place of birth....