After Prolonged Negotiations, Mahagathbandhan Confirms Tejashwi Yadav as CM Candidate

After weeks of intense negotiations and internal wrangling, the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) has declared Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The announcement, made during a high-energy press conference in Patna, was positioned as a show of unity by the opposition alliance. Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani, a key player in the Nishad community, was named the deputy chief ministerial candidate, with another backward class leader to join him if the INDIA bloc secures victory.

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, dispatched to Patna to resolve tensions within the alliance, confirmed the decision, stating, “After thorough discussions with all senior leaders, we have chosen Tejashwi Yadav as the CM face for Mahagathbandhan. He represents the future of Bihar’s leadership.” The announcement, coming just two weeks before the two-phase elections on November 6 and 11, 2025, leaves the alliance with limited time to unify and launch a robust campaign against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The press conference, however, was not without controversy. The absence of Rahul Gandhi’s image on posters sparked criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which seized the opportunity to taunt the Congress for its diminished role. Despite the snub, Tejashwi expressed gratitude to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for their support, emphasizing the alliance’s collective goal. “Our aim is not just to form a government or claim the CM post, but to serve Bihar and dismantle the NDA’s double-engine government, fueled by corruption and crime,” he declared, addressing supporters at the event.

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Tejashwi, who will contest from his stronghold Raghopur seat, faces a challenging road ahead. The Mahagathbandhan’s seat-sharing arrangement remains unresolved, with 12 seats witnessing overlapping nominations among allies. The RJD, the alliance’s dominant force, has fielded 143 candidates, while Congress is contesting 61 seats. The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), Sahani’s VIP, and smaller allies are sharing the remaining seats. With October 23, 2025, being the final day for candidate withdrawals for the second phase, failure to resolve these overlaps could lead to vote fragmentation, potentially handing an advantage to the NDA in the high-stakes electoral battle.

The Mahagathbandhan also used the announcement to challenge the NDA’s strategy. Tejashwi called out the NDA for its reluctance to name JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar as its CM candidate, citing concerns about Kumar’s health and the alliance’s lack of clarity. “The NDA is sidelining Nitish Kumar. They’ve held no press conferences to confirm their CM face. We’ve long said Kumar won’t be their choice for CM,” Tejashwi asserted, aiming to sow doubt among NDA supporters.

As the election nears, with results due on November 14, 2025, the Mahagathbandhan’s ability to overcome internal divisions and present a united front will be critical. The alliance’s campaign hinges on Tejashwi’s appeal as a young, dynamic leader and the promise of inclusive governance. However, unresolved seat-sharing disputes and the NDA’s formidable presence in Bihar pose significant hurdles. The coming weeks will test whether the Mahagathbandhan can translate its show of strength into votes and secure a decisive victory.

Also Read: 'Chalo Bihar, Badlein Bihar': Mahagathbandhan Announces Tejashwi Yadav as CM Candidate