Ending weeks of uncertainty over seat-sharing, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav has been formally declared the chief ministerial candidate of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
The announcement was made on Thursday by senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot during a joint press conference of INDIA bloc partners in Patna, bringing clarity to the alliance’s leadership structure ahead of the polls.
“Our leader is Tejashwi Yadav,” Gehlot said, describing the RJD leader as “young, dynamic, and committed to Bihar’s future.” Taking a swipe at the BJP, he added, “Our Chief Ministerial face is clear — I want to ask Amit Shah, who is theirs?”
Mukesh Sahani Named Deputy CM Candidate
In a key political move, Gehlot also announced that Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani will be one of the Deputy Chief Minister candidates of the alliance. “More deputies may be announced later,” he hinted, suggesting a broader power-sharing arrangement within the bloc.
Gehlot’s Patna Visit to Resolve Tensions
The Congress high command had dispatched Gehlot to Patna on Wednesday to iron out differences over seat-sharing and ensure unity within the INDIA bloc. Accompanied by AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru, Gehlot met RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav at his residence on 10, Circular Road, followed by detailed discussions with Tejashwi Yadav at his 1, Polo Road residence.
Following the meetings, Gehlot emphasized that the alliance remains intact, despite reports of internal disputes.
“Only Friendly Contests Within the Bloc”
Speaking to reporters, Gehlot said, “There’s a perception that the INDIA bloc is breaking apart in Bihar — that’s not true. If there’s a friendly fight on five or ten of the 243 seats, it’s not a major issue. We are united in our fight against the NDA.”
While RJD and Congress candidates are contesting against each other on five constituencies, the Congress is also facing CPI candidates in three seats.
Gehlot also targeted the NDA, alleging that its internal rifts are being ignored by the media. “All five NDA partners announced their seat-sharing deal without drama, but they’re facing deeper crises. The media just doesn’t highlight it due to bias toward the BJP-led coalition,” he said.
A Youth-Centric Pitch for Change
With the announcement, the Mahagathbandhan has formally placed Tejashwi Yadav — seen as the youth face of Bihar politics — at the center of its campaign narrative. His message of employment generation, women empowerment, and governance reforms is expected to drive the alliance’s slogan, “Chalo Bihar, Badlein Bihar” (Let’s Go Bihar, Let’s Change Bihar).
