Inside the Bargain: How Bihar Opposition Unified Around Tejashwi, Sahni

GG News Bureau
Patna, 23rd Oct: After days of internal differences, the Mahagathbandhan finally reached a consensus on Thursday, naming RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as the coalition’s Chief Ministerial candidate. The announcement came amid prolonged disagreements over seat-sharing among alliance partners. Alongside Tejashwi’s nomination, the coalition also agreed on the Deputy CM face, bringing a sense of relief and unity within the alliance.

The press conference, initially scheduled for 11 AM, was delayed due to last-minute negotiations. Mukesh Sahni, head of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), demanded the Deputy Chief Minister position, prompting the alliance to accommodate his request before proceeding with the formal announcement.

Sahni, 44, who has a strong support base among the Mallah, Sahni, and Nishad communities, initially demanded 24 seats but settled for 15 after negotiations, with promises of two Legislative Council and one Rajya Sabha seat. His insistence was crucial, as a refusal could have jeopardized Mahagathbandhan’s electoral prospects. Analysts say the coalition made a strategic decision to keep Sahni on board, even conceding a top position.

With the CM and Dy CM faces decided, Congress demonstrated political acumen by backing Tejashwi Yadav, putting an end to speculations about internal disagreements. Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, who visited Bihar to mediate the alliance’s differences, stated that Tejashwi was chosen for his youthfulness and commitment, signaling a united front against NDA in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

This resolution reflects the alliance’s careful balancing of political interests while presenting a consolidated leadership team to voters, with Tejashwi Yadav leading as the CM candidate and Mukesh Sahni poised to play a key role as Deputy CM.