KKN Gurugram Desk | As Bihar gears up for the 2025 Assembly Elections, political tensions are rising rapidly.
Parties across the spectrum are realigning their strategies, and sharp exchanges between leaders are setting the tone for a high-stakes electoral battle.
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In a major development, Mukesh Sahani, the leader of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), has categorically announced that his party will not join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP.
Instead, Sahani emphasized VIP’s independent strength and announced plans to contest on 60 seats this election.
Mukesh Sahani’s Clear Stand: No Return to NDA
Addressing a gathering during the ‘Sarkar Banao, Adhikar Pao’ program in Dehri, Rohtas, Mukesh Sahani made a firm statement:
“Our party, VIP, will not merge with BJP or join the NDA. BJP is trying to eliminate smaller parties like ours.”
According to Sahani, the BJP is uncomfortable with smaller, grassroots-oriented parties that represent marginalized communities, and thus tries to weaken them.
This clear refusal comes amid rumors circulating in political corridors that the VIP might rejoin the NDA ahead of elections — rumors Sahani has now publicly debunked.
Mukesh Sahani Asserts: “NDA Cannot Win Without VIP”
Sahani further claimed that the BJP is attempting to create a false narrative that the VIP will align with them again.
He asserted:
“BJP knows very well that without our support, their alliance will lose the Bihar elections.”
By distancing himself from the BJP, Mukesh Sahani is not just making a political statement but also projecting his party’s independent bargaining power.
VIP’s Bitter History with BJP: The 2020 Fallout
Mukesh Sahani’s criticism of BJP isn’t without precedent.
In the 2020 Bihar Assembly Elections, VIP had contested as part of the NDA. BJP had allocated 11 seats from its quota to VIP.
However, the alliance soured dramatically when:
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In March 2022, three VIP MLAs — Raju Singh, Mishrilal Yadav, and Swarn Singh — defected to BJP.
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This betrayal significantly weakened VIP and pushed Mukesh Sahani to exit the NDA.
Following this, Sahani realigned with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in April 2024.
Mukesh Sahani’s Strategy for Bihar Elections 2025
Mukesh Sahani has now announced a bold electoral strategy:
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VIP will contest 60 seats independently or within the Grand Alliance.
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Sahani has placed a demand for the Deputy Chief Minister’s post for his party.
He mentioned that discussions regarding seat-sharing and post-election roles will be finalized in upcoming Mahagathbandhan meetings.
Such aggressive positioning shows that VIP aims not just to survive, but to emerge as a key power player in Bihar politics.
Why Mukesh Sahani Matters in Bihar Politics
Mukesh Sahani, often referred to as the “Son of Mallah,” enjoys significant influence among the Nishad (boatmen) community and other marginalized groups in Bihar.
Key reasons why Sahani’s political moves are crucial:
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Caste-Based Mobilization: VIP has a strong presence among specific caste groups that can swing election outcomes in many constituencies.
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Grassroots Connect: Sahani’s messaging resonates with rural and economically weaker sections.
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Past Performance: Despite setbacks, VIP has maintained a visible presence in Bihar’s political discourse.
Thus, even though VIP is a smaller party, its targeted vote banks make it a valuable ally or a formidable competitor.
BJP’s Challenges Without VIP
The BJP faces multiple challenges in Bihar without VIP’s support:
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Erosion of Caste-Based Support: Losing the Nishad community’s backing could hurt the NDA in tight constituencies.
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Perception of Arrogance: Allegations of attempting to suppress smaller parties may alienate potential allies.
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Stronger Mahagathbandhan: VIP’s continued partnership with RJD, Congress, and Left parties strengthens the opposition coalition.
In a state like Bihar, where elections are often decided by small margins and intricate caste equations, every vote counts.
Political Dynamics: VIP’s Role in the Grand Alliance
VIP’s alliance with the Mahagathbandhan could significantly bolster the opposition’s prospects:
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Expanded Vote Base: The inclusion of Nishad voters and other backward communities into the Grand Alliance fold.
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Enhanced Representation: Sahani’s presence adds diversity and inclusivity to the opposition’s leadership.
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Unified Opposition: A broader coalition would present a more consolidated challenge to the BJP-led NDA.
By demanding the Deputy CM’s post, Sahani is signaling that VIP intends to play a bigger role if the Grand Alliance wins.
Mukesh Sahani’s Political Journey So Far
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Early Alliances: Initially allied with the NDA, leveraging BJP’s organizational strength.
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Fallout and Setback: Defections within VIP led to a sharp fall in influence.
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Realignment: Joined hands with RJD, betting on a broader caste coalition.
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Current Strategy: Assertive positioning for the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections.
His journey reflects the volatile yet opportunity-rich nature of Bihar’s politics.
What Lies Ahead: Key Points to Watch
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Seat-Sharing Talks: How VIP negotiates with RJD and Congress for a fair seat share.
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Campaign Strategy: Whether Sahani focuses on caste identity politics or broader development issues.
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Electoral Messaging: Positioning VIP as a pro-poor, anti-BJP alternative.
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Voter Response: Can Sahani regain lost ground among his traditional voter base?
The coming months will be critical in defining both VIP’s future and Bihar’s political trajectory.
Mukesh Sahani’s announcement to contest 60 seats independently of the NDA changes the dynamics of Bihar’s upcoming elections.
By asserting that BJP needs VIP to win and emphasizing his commitment to marginalized communities, Sahani is redefining VIP’s political identity.
Whether his bold strategy pays off will depend on effective coalition-building, strong candidate selection, and connecting with voters on the ground.