Patna, October 17, 2025: In a significant development ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP) founder Mukesh Sahani announced that he will not contest the upcoming polls, choosing instead to campaign for the party’s candidates and the Grand Alliance coalition comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties. Sahani’s decision comes after the VIP was allotted 15 seats in the opposition coalition’s seat-sharing arrangement, following last-minute negotiations.

Sahani, who was expected to contest from the Gaura Bauram seat in Darbhanga, instead nominated his brother, Santosh Sahani, as the VIP candidate for the constituency. Speaking to reporters in Darbhanga, Mukesh Sahani clarified that stepping aside would allow him to focus on the broader campaign across Bihar rather than being tied down to a single constituency. “I have opted not to contest polls this time. I will campaign for the party’s nominees and also for the Grand Alliance,” he said.

The move is being interpreted as a strategic decision, allowing Mukesh Sahani to enhance the VIP’s influence across the allotted constituencies while positioning himself for a significant role in the potential Grand Alliance government. Sources suggest that Sahani, who had lost the 2020 assembly election from Simri Bakhtiarpur while contesting as an NDA ally, is now eyeing a legislative council membership, possibly with support from the other parties in the coalition.

VIP spokesperson Dev Jyoti confirmed that the party is expected to receive two MLC seats and a Rajya Sabha seat as part of the seat-sharing arrangement. “Yes, a seat deal has been stitched with RJD, Congress, and other partners in the INDIA bloc or Mahagatbandhan in Bihar. We will contest 15 seats in alliance with other partners,” Jyoti said.

However, Sahani himself emphasized that his political ambition is to become the deputy chief minister if the Grand Alliance comes to power, rather than pursuing a Rajya Sabha berth. “I am not keen on going to the Rajya Sabha. My aim is to become the deputy chief minister after the Grand Alliance comes to power in Bihar,” he told reporters.

Gaura Bauram Contest: Local Dynamics Still Unclear

The Gaura Bauram seat has become a point of attention, as RJD local leader Afzal Ali Khan also filed his nomination papers on Friday. According to Khan, he submitted his nomination using the symbol allotted by RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. “I have affixed the symbol given by Lalu Prasad ji and Tejashwi Yadav ji and filed my nomination. I don’t need to clarify anything further whether I am contesting as an independent or otherwise. If I get the RJD symbol, I will contest as the RJD candidate; if not, I will contest as an independent,” he said.

A senior RJD leader suggested that efforts would be made to persuade Afzal Ali to withdraw from the contest, as the seat has now been allocated to the VIP. “There is still time for withdrawal. A final picture would emerge soon,” the leader added, indicating ongoing negotiations to maintain unity within the Grand Alliance.

Other VIP Allotted Seats

Besides Gaura Bauram, the VIP is understood to be contesting from Bhabua, Aurai, Gopalpur, and Darbhanga (urban). These constituencies were assigned during the last phase of seat-sharing talks, reflecting a compromise with larger allies such as the RJD and Congress to ensure broader coalition cohesion.

Mukesh Sahani’s decision to step aside is seen as a calculated move to maximize campaign reach while keeping his political profile high within the coalition. Party insiders note that his active campaigning across the allotted VIP constituencies could play a pivotal role in securing votes for the Grand Alliance, particularly in Darbhanga and other key areas where local support could swing the outcome in tightly contested seats.

The announcement comes amid a period of heightened political maneuvering in Bihar, as the Grand Alliance attempts to finalize seat-sharing deals and consolidate votes against the ruling NDA. VIP’s alignment with the coalition represents a significant political signal, as Sahani commands a dedicated voter base, particularly among marginalized communities in northern Bihar, whose support could prove decisive in several constituencies.

Strategic Implications for VIP and Grand Alliance

Political analysts suggest that Mukesh Sahani’s choice to remain off the ballot could be part of a broader strategy to negotiate a higher-ranking executive position within a potential Grand Alliance government. His insistence on the deputy chief minister’s post underscores the political leverage VIP brings to the coalition despite contesting only a limited number of seats.

The party’s focus on campaigning rather than individual electoral victories may also allow Sahani to consolidate grassroots support and strengthen VIP’s bargaining position ahead of future elections, particularly in the context of coalition politics in Bihar, where smaller regional parties often play a critical role in government formation.

Campaign Outlook

As the election process advances, VIP’s focus on the 15 allotted seats and the strategic placement of Santosh Sahani in Gaura Bauram will test the party’s organizational strength. Coordinated campaigning across the Grand Alliance constituencies, supported by Mukesh Sahani’s active involvement, is expected to enhance the coalition’s prospects in constituencies with historically competitive margins.

Observers note that the Grand Alliance faces internal challenges, with negotiations over seat distribution still ongoing, and the potential for rival aspirants to cause friction, as seen in Gaura Bauram. Sahani’s campaign approach, prioritizing coalition success over personal electoral gain, is being viewed as a pragmatic decision in the high-stakes Bihar elections.

Conclusion

Mukesh Sahani’s withdrawal from contesting the assembly polls, coupled with fielding his brother Santosh Sahani, represents a calculated blend of political strategy and coalition diplomacy. By dedicating his efforts to campaigning across VIP’s allotted constituencies and actively supporting the Grand Alliance, Sahani is positioning himself for a key leadership role in Bihar’s prospective coalition government. The coming weeks will determine how effectively this strategy translates into electoral gains and influences the post-election political landscape in Bihar.