In a major political development ahead of the Bihar assembly polls, the opposition INDIA bloc on Thursday officially declared RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate. The decision follows weeks of intense negotiations among allies and is seen as a bid to end internal rifts and present a united front before the elections.
Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who was in Patna to mediate between coalition partners, announced that Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani would serve as one of the deputy chief ministers if the alliance comes to power. Gehlot said the decision was made “keeping in mind the complex social structure of Bihar.”
Addressing a joint press conference with Yadav, CPI(ML)-L leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, and other INDIA bloc representatives, Gehlot said, “After consultations with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and all coalition partners, we have decided to project Tejashwi Yadav as our chief ministerial candidate.”
Mukesh Sahani, who holds sway among the Mallah and Nishad communities, had reportedly driven a hard bargain during seat-sharing discussions. A former Bollywood set designer turned politician, Sahani founded the VIP in 2015 after parting ways with the BJP and has since shifted alliances multiple times before returning to the opposition camp last year.
Speaking at the event, Tejashwi Yadav thanked his allies for their trust and said, “This was not a major issue for us, but since there was so much speculation, we decided to clarify. I assure the people of Bihar that Tejashwi will never compromise on corruption and will spare no one accused of wrongdoing.”
Hitting out at the BJP, Yadav said the “jungle raj” narrative was a propaganda tactic, claiming that crimes against women and murders are rampant even under the current government. He further asserted that “Nitish Kumar will never be made chief minister again” by the NDA, citing Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that NDA legislators would decide the CM after the polls.
The announcement has sparked sharp reactions from the ruling NDA. BJP leaders mocked the INDIA bloc’s attempt at unity, highlighting that the press conference poster featured only Yadav’s image and excluded other alliance leaders like Rahul Gandhi.
Independent MP Pappu Yadav said, “Dalits and the extremely backward classes would support the INDIA bloc because of Rahul Gandhi. His image should have been on the poster too.” Union Minister Chirag Paswan remarked, “Our campaign is already in full swing, while INDIA bloc leaders are still indoors.”
JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar ridiculed Yadav’s nomination, calling him “an angry child handed a lollipop,” referencing the RJD’s poor performance in the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Meanwhile, political strategist and Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor dismissed the announcement, saying, “It was always expected. If Lalu Yadav’s ‘jungle raj’ is to return, Tejashwi Yadav would naturally be the CM face. So, what’s new in that?”
