In a stunning development ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani announced on October 16, 2025, that he will not contest the upcoming polls, choosing instead to campaign for the Mahagathbandhan alliance across all 243 constituencies. The decision, revealed during his brother Santosh Sahani’s nomination filing for the Gaura-Bauram seat in Darbhanga, followed intense but unfruitful negotiations with the opposition coalition. Despite withdrawing as a candidate, Sahani remains focused on securing the Deputy Chief Minister position should the INDIA Bloc triumph, signaling a strategic move to maintain political relevance while prioritizing long-term influence.

The Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), finalized its seat-sharing agreement late Thursday, just hours before the nomination deadline for the first phase of polling on November 6. The coalition, which includes Congress and CPI(ML)-Liberation, faced internal friction over seat allocations, particularly with smaller allies like VIP. Sahani, a key figure among the Nishad community and other backward classes, had demanded 20-25 seats after initially pushing for up to 60. However, the final deal fell short of his expectations, prompting his exit from the electoral race. In a letter to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Sahani emphasized his commitment to the alliance, stating, “Seats don’t matter; defeating the BJP-led NDA does.” He hinted at assurances for a significant role if the bloc forms the government.

Congress leaders acknowledged the tension, with MP Tariq Anwar admitting that delays in finalizing the seat-sharing deal left Sahani “upset.” “We had time to resolve this earlier, but the delay caused issues,” Anwar said, referencing VIP’s near-defection—a repeat of Sahani’s 2020 shift from Mahagathbandhan to NDA over similar disputes. Despite the setback, Sahani pledged to rally his community behind the alliance, leveraging his influence among marginalized voters. Political analysts see this as a calculated move, allowing VIP to avoid electoral risks while maintaining leverage within the coalition, especially after its modest four-seat win under NDA in 2020.

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Meanwhile, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has projected unity, announcing candidates for all 243 constituencies with precision. The alliance, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), allocated 101 seats each to JD(U) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) securing 29 and Rashtriya Lok Morcha taking the rest. JD(U)’s second and final list of 44 candidates, released Thursday, balances incumbents with fresh faces to address Bihar’s complex caste dynamics. The NDA’s streamlined approach contrasts sharply with the opposition’s last-minute scramble, positioning it as a formidable force as campaigning heats up for the two-phase polls on November 6 and 11, with results due on November 14.

The Congress, a key Mahagathbandhan partner, released its first list of 48 candidates on Thursday, emphasizing continuity and inclusivity. Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram was retained for Kutumba, while Congress Legislature Party leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan will contest from Kadwa. The list includes five women candidates, reflecting a strategic push to appeal to female voters, a demographic pivotal to NDA’s 2020 victory. RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav has emerged as the opposition’s unofficial chief ministerial face, a stance endorsed by Congress MP Akhilesh Singh, as the alliance seeks to consolidate its fragmented voter base against the NDA’s well-oiled machinery.

With nominations for the first phase covering 121 seats finalized on Friday, Bihar’s political landscape is charged with anticipation. The NDA, bolstered by high-profile campaigners like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, is attacking the opposition’s “jungle raj” narrative, while Mahagathbandhan counters with promises of jobs and social justice. Sahani’s withdrawal adds intrigue, freeing him to mobilize his community without the burden of a contested seat. In a state where caste and alliances drive outcomes, the elections are poised for a tight race, with Sahani’s endorsement potentially tipping the scales in the opposition’s favor. As Bihar braces for a fierce electoral battle, every move counts in this high-stakes contest.

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