Key Points:
- CM Candidate Finalized: The Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) formally declared RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Ministerial face for the upcoming 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections.
- Deputy CM Pick: VIP party chief Mukesh Sahani was named the alliance’s Deputy CM candidate, signaling a unified front targeting the crucial Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) and Nishad vote banks.
- Gehlot’s Role: Senior Congress leader and Election Observer Ashok Gehlot made the official announcement, highlighting the consensus reached across the seven alliance partners.
- Slamming the BJP: VIP Chief Mukesh Sahani reiterated his long-standing vow to defeat the BJP, citing the political crisis where the BJP allegedly poached his party’s MLAs in the past.
- Election Schedule: The elections are scheduled to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, 2025, with results declared on November 14.
Patna: The political landscape in Bihar gained decisive clarity on Thursday, October 23, 2025, as the opposition Mahagathbandhan presented a united front in a joint press conference in Patna. After days of internal friction over seat-sharing, which necessitated the intervention of senior party leaders, the alliance formally announced its leadership structure for the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Congress leader and election observer, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, confirmed the alliance’s consensus, stating unequivocally that RJD leader and former Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav would be the Chief Ministerial candidate. Gehlot also revealed that Mukesh Sahani, chief of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), would be nominated as the Deputy Chief Minister if the alliance is voted into power.
Gehlot used the platform to challenge the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA), urging them to declare their CM candidate amidst persistent rumors of internal dissonance between the BJP and JD(U).
VIP Chief Vows Revenge Against BJP
A highlight of the conference was the emotionally charged address by VIP chief Mukesh Sahani. He confirmed his party’s commitment to the Grand Alliance and explicitly connected his political objective to a past perceived betrayal by the BJP.
“Since the BJP broke our party and bought our MLA, we resolved that we will not leave until we break the BJP,” Sahani declared, reaffirming a pledge he made years ago. “That time has come. We will remain firmly with the Grand Alliance, form the government in Bihar, and oust the BJP from the state. The Mahagathbandhan is strong and united.”
Sahani’s move strengthens the alliance by consolidating support among the EBC and Nishad communities, critical voting demographics in Bihar.
Tejashwi Yadav: Focusing on Development and Youth
Accepting the nomination, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav thanked the senior leadership of the alliance, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi. He pivoted the focus to governance and development, drawing a sharp contrast with the NDA.
“We have to work to build Bihar. We thank respected Lalu Prasad Yadav, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and all the Grand Alliance partners. We will certainly live up to the trust you have placed in us,” Tejashwi said.
He launched a direct attack on the incumbent government, alleging they were “tired” and “simply hungry for power.” Tejashwi promised rapid action if elected: “If we get a chance for 30 months, we will accomplish what they haven’t done in 30 years.” This statement targets the crucial youth demographic seeking employment and better opportunities.
Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram emphasized the broader unity of the national INDIA Alliance, noting that its foundation was laid through collaborative efforts like the Voter Rights Yatra, ensuring the coalition fights the election on issues of public interest.
The elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results announced on November 14, setting the stage for a critical battle for political control in the state.
