Mukesh Sahani, the chief of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), has been declared the deputy chief minister nominee for the Mahagathbandhan in the upcoming 2025 Bihar assembly election. This announcement marks a significant moment for Sahani, who has been a prominent, albeit sometimes controversial, figure in Bihar politics.
Once a close ally of the BJP, Sahani has now positioned himself as a key player in the Mahagathbandhan, working alongside RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav. His declaration was met with strong words directed at the BJP, with Sahani vowing to dismantle their presence in Bihar, accusing them of fracturing his party and poaching his MLAs.
Why Sahani Matters
Despite his Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP) representing only about 2.5% of Bihar’s population and contesting just 15 out of 243 seats, Sahani’s influence is undeniable. His strength lies in his deep grassroots connections and his ability to mobilize the Nishad community, often referred to as ‘Mallahs’.
Born into a fisherman’s family, Sahani’s background resonates with many in the backward and marginalized communities. His inclusion as the deputy CM face is a strategic move by the Mahagathbandhan to consolidate support among these crucial voter segments.
A Tumultuous Political Journey
Sahani’s political career has been a dynamic one, characterized by shifting alliances and a persistent drive for influence:
- He initially aligned with the BJP in the 2015 assembly polls, gaining prominence with support from Narendra Modi.
- Disappointed by the BJP’s failure to grant Scheduled Caste status to the Nishad community, he founded the Nishad Vikas Sangh in 2015 and later the Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP) in 2018.
- After a stint with the Mahagathbandhan in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where VIP won no seats, he switched back to the NDA for the 2020 assembly polls. This move saw VIP secure four seats, and Sahani served as a state minister before his dismissal in March 2022.
The path to this current alliance was not without its challenges. Reports indicate that the VIP almost exited the Mahagathbandhan due to disagreements over seat-sharing, only remaining after intervention from Rahul Gandhi.
The Bihar Election Landscape
The 2025 Bihar assembly elections are shaping up to be a closely contested battle between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan, with Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party also in the mix. The results are expected on November 14.
The NDA coalition includes the BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM (Secular), and RLM. The Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD, comprises the Congress, CPI-ML (Liberation), CPI, CPM, and VIP.