Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav has been named the Chief Ministerial candidate of the Mahagathbandhan alliance for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Alongside him, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani was announced as the Deputy Chief Ministerial face of the alliance, with one more Deputy CM candidate expected to be revealed later. The announcement was made in Patna by senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, the AICC observer for the Bihar polls, in the presence of alliance leaders, including Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Ram and representatives from Left parties.
Tejashwi Yadav emphasized that the alliance’s focus is on the development of Bihar rather than political power. He highlighted the alliance’s aim to challenge the current 20-year-old double-engine government. The announcement also marked a contrast with the NDA, which has yet to officially declare its CM candidate for the state. The opposition’s move to publicly present their CM face was seen as an effort to consolidate the alliance’s position ahead of the elections.
The announcement follows intense negotiations over seat-sharing within the Mahagathbandhan. Delay in finalizing arrangements led to uncoordinated nominations in the first phase of elections, resulting in alliance partners contesting against each other in at least seven constituencies. However, Gehlot downplayed the clashes, noting that such friendly contests are expected in a few seats and should not affect overall unity.
The Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases. The first phase covers 121 constituencies and is scheduled for November 6, while the second phase will cover 122 constituencies on November 11. The Mahagathbandhan’s official announcement of its CM and Deputy CM faces is aimed at presenting a united front and strengthening its electoral strategy as the state prepares for a crucial political battle.
This story is developing, and further updates on the alliance’s candidates and campaign strategy are expected in the coming days.
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