Tejashwi Yadav Issues Ultimatum to VIP Chief Mukesh Sahani as Bihar Election Nomination Deadline Approaches

Tejashwi Yadav has reportedly issued an ultimatum to VIP president Mukesh Sahani amid tense seat-sharing negotiations.

Patna:

With the nomination deadline for Bihar Assembly elections' first phase just 31 hours away, the opposition alliance Mahagathbandhan faces a potential fracture in its ranks.

Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani has been engaged in intense negotiations, reportedly demanding allocation of at least 24 seats in the upcoming 243-member Assembly election. According to sources, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has taken a firm stance, offering VIP approximately 15 seats instead. Mahagathbandhan insiders have communicated to Sahani that this represents the alliance's best possible offer. The coalition's stability now hinges on whether Sahani accepts these terms or chooses to exit, potentially triggering further political realignments.

RJD sources indicate that Sahani's persistent negotiations have reached a "breaking point," prompting Tejashwi Yadav to deliver what they describe as an "ultimatum."

Established in 2018, VIP commands significant support among Bihar's fishermen and boatmen communities. Sahani has developed a reputation for aggressive bargaining during pre-election seat distribution talks.

During the 2020 Bihar elections, Sahani initially aligned with Mahagathbandhan but switched to the NDA when his seat demands weren't met. Under the NDA banner, VIP contested 11 seats and secured four victories. Following one MLA's death and three others defecting to BJP, Sahani eventually severed ties with the NDA.

In the lead-up to the current Bihar elections, Sahani has been attempting to leverage his position for a more favorable seat arrangement. Earlier this month, he publicly claimed entitlement to the Deputy Chief Minister position if Mahagathbandhan forms the government.

When questioned about reports suggesting reluctance among his allies regarding his Deputy CM aspirations, Sahani responded, "If certain individuals refuse to accept Tejashwi Yadav as Chief Minister, does that mean Bihar would operate without one? If Tejashwi assumes the Chief Minister role, I can serve as Deputy Chief Minister. These positions are determined by majority consensus. The BJP has acknowledged my suitability for Deputy Chief Minister, which proves that whichever alliance Mukesh Sahani joins ultimately forms the government."

Sahani previously held the position of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister in Nitish Kumar's Bihar government.