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

In a pivotal development for Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections, the opposition Mahagathbandhan alliance has rallied behind Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate, sources confirmed on October 23, 2025. The decision, reached after intense negotiations among alliance partners, aims to project a unified front despite ongoing seat-sharing disputes. A formal announcement is expected later today, alongside the unveiling of the coalition’s campaign slogan, “Chalo Bihar, Badlein Bihar (Let’s go Bihar, Let’s change Bihar),” signaling an ambitious push to reshape the state’s political landscape.

The consensus on Tejashwi’s leadership comes on the final day for nomination withdrawals, as the Mahagathbandhan—a coalition of the RJD, Congress, and smaller parties—grapples with internal friction over seat allocations. With the first phase of polling set for November 6, tensions have flared over a dozen constituencies, prompting senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to intervene. Gehlot arrived in Patna on October 22 to mediate between RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi, and other alliance leaders, aiming to resolve disputes that threaten to undermine the coalition’s challenge against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

“Today, I had a fruitful election discussion with Shri Ashok Gehlot,” Tejashwi posted on X, sharing images from the meeting. Gehlot, addressing reporters, downplayed reports of discord, noting that “friendly fights” on 5–10 seats in a 243-seat assembly were manageable. However, the alliance has struggled to finalize its candidate list, with the RJD announcing 143 candidates and Congress naming 61. Agreements have been reached in some constituencies, such as Lalganj, where Congress withdrew its candidate, and Pranpur in Katihar, to avoid splitting votes. Yet, direct contests between the RJD and Congress persist in six seats, with nomination withdrawal windows already closed for first-phase constituencies like Bachhwara, Rajapakar, and Bihar Sharif.

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Amid these challenges, Tejashwi has spearheaded an aggressive outreach to bolster the Mahagathbandhan’s appeal, particularly among women voters. In a bid to win over the influential Jeevika Didi community mobilizers, he pledged transformative policies if the alliance forms the government. These include permanent jobs with a monthly salary of Rs 30,000 for approximately 1.5 lakh of the 1.5 crore Jeevika Didis, loan waivers, interest-free loans for up to two years, and insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh. Additionally, Tejashwi promised to regularize the jobs of contract workers, aiming to address longstanding economic insecurities in Bihar.

However, the Mahagathbandhan’s unity is under strain from within the Congress, where discontent over ticket distribution has sparked rebellion. Several party leaders, alleging corruption, have accused Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru and state president Rajesh Ram of “selling” tickets, fueling internal unrest. Dissatisfied leaders are planning a protest at the Congress’s state headquarters, Sadakat Ashram, on October 24, which could further destabilize the alliance’s campaign. These accusations echo broader concerns about transparency and fairness in the party’s candidate selection process, threatening to erode voter confidence.

As the Mahagathbandhan navigates these turbulent waters, Tejashwi Yadav’s elevation as the CM face offers a focal point for the alliance’s vision of a transformed Bihar. His leadership, backed by the RJD’s organizational strength and populist promises, aims to counter the NDA’s dominance in a state where caste dynamics and economic pledges heavily influence voters. Yet, with seat-sharing disputes unresolved and internal Congress turmoil simmering, the coalition’s ability to present a cohesive challenge in the elections remains uncertain. The coming days will test whether Tejashwi’s charisma and the alliance’s last-minute unity can sway Bihar’s electorate in this high-stakes electoral battle.

Also Read: Bihar Campaign Begins, But Opposition's Internal Battle Has Already Started