Only 31 hours remain until the last date for filing nominations for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, yet the tussle over seat-sharing within the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) continues. The tension between the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) regarding seat-sharing has now reached its peak.
Patna: With only 31 hours left until the deadline for nominations in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the dynamics within the Mahagathbandhan appear tense. The friction, particularly between Tejashwi Yadav and Mukesh Sahani, has further heated up the atmosphere. According to sources, the disagreement between the two leaders within the Grand Alliance has now reached an ultimatum level.
If Mukesh Sahani does not agree to their terms, the door for VIP's return to the alliance might close even before it opens. This is highly likely to impact the Mahagathbandhan's strategy and seat-sharing arrangements.
Conflict over Seats, Crisis for the Alliance
In the 243-seat Bihar Assembly, VIP has demanded at least 24 seats, while the RJD disagrees. Tejashwi Yadav has clearly stated that VIP cannot be allotted more than 15 seats. According to internal sources within the Mahagathbandhan, discussions have now reached a "breaking point." If Mukesh Sahani compromises on some seats, the alliance might be salvaged.
However, if he remains adamant on his demands, VIP's exit from the Mahagathbandhan is considered certain. This situation could create difficulties for the Grand Alliance, as the departure of any party just before the elections could prove to be a setback for opposition unity.
Apprehension of 2020 History Repeating Itself
This is not the first time Mukesh Sahani and Tejashwi Yadav have clashed over seats. In the 2020 assembly elections, Sahani, displeased with the RJD, joined the NDA. At that time, he received 11 seats, out of which he managed to win 4. However, three MLAs later defected to the BJP, and one MLA passed away. The result — VIP was left isolated.
Subsequently, Mukesh Sahani also broke ties with the NDA and began trying to establish himself as an independent political force. Now, in 2025, there are signs that the same story might repeat itself.
"I will become Deputy CM" — Questions over Sahani's Aspirations
Recently, Mukesh Sahani openly stated that if the Mahagathbandhan government is formed, he would become the Deputy CM. His statement created unease among other alliance partners. When asked that some allies were not happy with this claim, he retorted sharply, "If some people do not consider Tejashwi Yadav as Chief Minister, will Bihar run without a Chief Minister? If Tejashwi can become Chief Minister, why can't I become Deputy CM?"
Sahani also claimed, "Even the BJP believes that I am worthy of becoming Deputy CM. Wherever Sahani goes, a government is formed." This statement is being seen as a direct challenge to the RJD leadership.
Tejashwi's 'Lakshman Rekha'
Tejashwi Yadav is taking a clear stance this time. He has drawn a "Lakshman Rekha" for VIP — if Mukesh Sahani remains firm on his demand for seats, there will be no place for him in the alliance. According to sources close to the RJD, Tejashwi believes that "VIP's support is welcome, but blackmailing will not be tolerated." The party leadership does not want the entire alliance to appear weakened by a partner's last-minute demands, as happened previously.
