VIP Chief Mukesh Sahani Withdraws Candidate to Support RJD in Bihar Election Strategic Move

Patna:

Political drama unfolded in Bihar as the first phase of assembly election campaigning concluded. Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani, who is also the Grand Alliance's deputy chief ministerial candidate, withdrew his brother Santosh Sahani's candidacy and declared support for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate instead.

The RJD's Afzal Ali is contesting from Darbhanga's Gaura Bauram constituency. Without a formal seat-sharing agreement, this constituency was previously headed for a friendly contest within the Grand Alliance.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had earlier solicited votes for Santosh Sahani, but Mukesh Sahani explained that his decision was prompted by concerns about splitting non-NDA votes. He emphasized that having both candidates remain in the race would have advantaged the NDA.

"This is a bigger battle. It is not about one legislator. Our priority is forming a Mahagathbandhan government," Sahani stated during his announcement in Darbhanga. He urged all VIP supporters to back the RJD candidate.

In a Facebook post, he elaborated: "The journey of fighting for change in Bihar, establishing social justice, and ensuring society's rights is not easy. Sometimes, achieving a greater goal requires significant sacrifices. VIP National President Shri Santosh Sahni has decided to make a significant sacrifice for the sake of Gaura Bauram and a better Bihar. In this spirit, we have decided to support RJD candidate Afzal Ali."

He added: "This decision symbolises Bihar's commitment to a better future and social justice. Our objective is clear: keep this torch of change burning and strengthen every voice that speaks of equality, respect, and rights. The Grand Alliance is united and ready to write a new history in Bihar, and change will surely happen in Bihar."

The VIP enjoys substantial support among the Mallah, Sahani, and Nishad communities. The Mallah community, a Nishad sub-caste, is distributed throughout Bihar but wields particular influence in the Mithilanchal and Seemanchal regions. Collectively, their nine percent electoral presence could potentially determine election outcomes.

Leveraging this voting bloc, Mukesh Sahani secured his position as the Deputy Chief Ministerial candidate in the Grand Alliance. He had previously indicated his willingness to exit the alliance if his demands weren't accommodated.