Dek: After weeks of seat-share squabbles, the Mahagathbandhan put on a united face in Patna — naming Tejashwi Yadav as CM and Mukesh Sahani as his deputy.
Samay in 60 Seconds
- Mahagathbandhan names Tejashwi Yadav as its CM face after internal wrangling.
- Mukesh Sahani of VIP projected as Deputy CM to represent Nishad community.
- Congress’s Ashok Gehlot plays peacemaker, declaring the alliance “stronger than ever.”
- INDIA bloc dares NDA: “Tejashwi is our face — who’s yours?”
- Bihar Assembly polls to be held on Nov 6 & 11, results on Nov 14.
Key Facts at a Glance
What Happened – Bihar Polls 2025
VIDEO | Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan CM candidate Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi), addressing the joint press conference, said:
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 23, 2025
"This question of who will be the CM face of Mahagathbandhan was being raised… We have joined hands to work for the… pic.twitter.com/hsEIUnUrCh
In a fiery show of strength at Patna, the Opposition’s Mahagathbandhan officially projected Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Ministerial face for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
After weeks of tension over seat-sharing, Ashok Gehlot announced the decision, calling Tejashwi “young, committed, and the future of Bihar.”
The presser wasn’t just political theatre — it was a message. Flanked by Congress, RJD, Left, and VIP leaders, Gehlot threw a direct challenge to the NDA:
“Our leader is Tejashwi Yadav. Now tell us — who is yours?”
Alongside, Mukesh Sahani, the VIP chief and influential Nishad leader, was declared the Deputy CM candidate, signalling caste-balance and inclusivity within the INDIA bloc.
Why It Matters – Opposition Unity on Display
This was more than an announcement — it was a reset.
For weeks, the alliance was marred by infighting over seats and overlapping candidates. Gehlot’s intervention salvaged the bloc just before the withdrawal deadline, averting an open clash in 12 constituencies.
The optics were clear: the INDIA bloc wanted to look united, organised, and ready to counter the NDA’s “double engine” narrative.
The Congress, which had hesitated to project Tejashwi earlier, finally relented after pressure from its central leadership.
Impact on You – Bihar’s Power Equation
This move could redraw Bihar’s caste and alliance equations.
With Tejashwi leading the RJD-Congress-Left front and Mukesh Sahani representing the Nishad and backward class votes, the bloc is eyeing a wider social coalition.
But questions remain —
Seat overlaps, leadership balance, and whether this unity will hold through the campaign’s heat.
Even a small split in votes, analysts say, could flip the results in multiple seats — just like in 2020.
Samay’s Voice – The Fire Beneath the Slogan
“In Bihar, alliances are made on promises — and tested on patience. Tejashwi has the crowd, but can he hold the coalition? This election will decide whether unity wins or ego does.”
Street FAQs
Q. Why was Ashok Gehlot sent to Patna?
To mediate between the RJD and Congress after weeks of seat-sharing disputes.
Q. Who is Mukesh Sahani?
Chief of Vikassheel Insaan Party, influential among the Nishad community, now projected as Deputy CM face.
Q. How many seats are each party contesting?
RJD: 143 | Congress: 59 | Left Parties: ~30 | VIP: 15–20 (approx).
Q. When are Bihar elections?
November 6 & 11. Results on November 14.
Q. Will this unity last till polling day?
Leaders claim “yes,” but some overlapping candidates remain — watch this space.
Sources
- Press statements from RJD, Congress & Left parties
- INDIA bloc press conference, Patna (Oct 23, 2025)
- Election Commission of India schedule
