Bihar's Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) has finalized Tejashwi Yadav as the Chief Ministerial face and Mukesh Sahani as the Deputy Chief Ministerial face. The alliance was strengthened by creating a Mallah-Nishad community equation, thanks to Sahani's pressure and the intervention of the Congress high command.
Bihar Politics: Thursday will be remembered for several unexpected events in Bihar politics. In the morning, Tejashwi Yadav was expected to be declared the Chief Ministerial face of the Mahagathbandhan, but by afternoon, VIP chief Mukesh Sahani, who came into the limelight, changed the entire equation. During the Mahagathbandhan meeting held at Hotel Maurya in Patna, Sahani put forth the condition for the Deputy Chief Minister's post, causing a stir within the alliance.
Morning Political Tension
According to sources, Tejashwi Yadav was scheduled to be declared the Chief Ministerial face at 11:30 AM. However, at the same time, Mukesh Sahani clearly stated that if Tejashwi became Chief Minister, he should be made the Deputy CM. Sahani's demand posed a challenge for the alliance leaders. Sahani was staying in a suite at Hotel Maurya, where Congress leader Ashok Gehlot and leaders from Left parties were also present.
Sahani argued that he had agreed to a limited number of seats (15) with the expectation of getting the Deputy Chief Minister's post. He stated, "If I don't get this position, how will I face my supporters?" This condition immediately created tension within the alliance.
Intervention by Congress High Command
Mahagathbandhan leaders contacted the Congress high command in Delhi. The response was, "Declare Sahani as the Deputy CM face; the Mallah community's vote is crucial for us." Consent was also obtained from Left party leader Dipankar Bhattacharya. Thus, it was decided that Tejashwi Yadav would be the Chief Ministerial candidate and Mukesh Sahani would be the Deputy Chief Ministerial face.
Influence of Mallah and Nishad Communities
Political experts state that the Mallah and Nishad communities constitute approximately nine percent of Bihar's population. This group often plays a decisive role in elections. Mukesh Sahani is considered a prominent leader of this community, which is why he received such importance within the Mahagathbandhan.
Impact of the Patna Hotel Meeting
This closed-door meeting held at Hotel Maurya in Patna proved to be a game-changer for Mahagathbandhan's strategy and power dynamics. After this meeting, Sahani was no longer just a leader of the VIP party but became a decisive face in state politics.
New Equation in Electoral Strategy
The combination of Tejashwi Yadav's youth leadership and Mukesh Sahani's social equation has become the new face of Mahagathbandhan's electoral strategy. Experts believe that this alliance is attempting to attract young voters and those from the Mallah-Nishad communities.
