Vikasheel Insaan Party Secures 15 Seats in Bihar Election Alliance: Mahagathbandhan Coalition Finalized

Mukesh Sahni's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP) has reached an agreement to contest in 15 seats for the upcoming Bihar assembly election, effectively resolving uncertainty over the Mahagathbandhan coalition's final composition just weeks before voting commences.

Patna:

The Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP) led by Mukesh Sahani has finalized its participation in the Bihar assembly election with 15 seats allocated, ending speculation about the coalition structure as the election approaches. As part of the arrangement to remain with the Mahagathbandhan alliance, Sahani confirmed his party had secured promises of one Rajya Sabha seat and two MLC positions.

Sahani expressed gratitude to CPI(ML) leader Dipanka Bhattacharya for facilitating the breakthrough in negotiations. He also communicated with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who subsequently engaged with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leadership regarding the matter.

Sources indicate that comprehensive details of the seat-sharing arrangement will be publicized shortly.

Meanwhile, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has submitted his nomination papers from the party's traditional stronghold in Raghopur constituency.

At 44, Sahani represents a significant figure in Bihar's diverse political environment, where caste dynamics and community affiliations substantially influence electoral outcomes. His initial demand for at least 24 seats reflected not merely a strategic negotiation for political leverage, but a deeper aspiration for adequate representation of Bihar's fishermen and boatmen communities.

During the seat-sharing negotiations, rumors circulated that the VIP leader might abandon the Mahagathbandhan if his expectations remained unmet. However, the recent announcement has effectively silenced such speculation.

Once considered a promising political figure, Sahani was removed from his position as animal husbandry and fisheries minister in the Bihar cabinet by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in 2022, reportedly due to his persistent criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Currently, Sahani faces limited political alternatives: maintain his position within the Mahagathbandhan, or contest independently alongside smaller political entities—likely resulting in political marginalization.

With the Sahani situation resolved, the Mahagathbandhan alliance is prepared for the major electoral contest. Beyond facing the BJP, the Opposition coalition will also compete against Prashant Kishor's newly established Jan Suraaj Party, though Kishor himself will not be contesting.

The Bihar election will proceed in two phases on November 6 and 11, with vote counting scheduled for November 14.