Patna, May 23 (NationPress) The Grand Alliance in Bihar officially announced RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Ministerial candidate, while Mukesh Sahani, the chief of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), was designated as the Deputy Chief Minister should the INDIA Bloc secure victory in the upcoming Assembly elections on November 14.

However, the day was characterized by significant political maneuvering behind the scenes.

Sources indicated that Sahani exerted strategic pressure on Congress leadership at a crucial juncture, prompting an emergency meeting of senior opposition figures mere hours prior to the press briefing.

Insiders revealed that Sahani firmly requested the Deputy CM position, declaring he would not participate in the press conference otherwise. His stance was clear: if Tejashwi Yadav was to represent the alliance as the CM candidate, he must also be named as his deputy.

During this time, Sahani was at Hotel Maurya in Patna, alongside other opposition leaders, including Ashok Gehlot, the former Chief Minister of Rajasthan.

Reports suggest that Gehlot's suite served as the coordination center before the press conference, where Tejashwi Yadav arrived, but Sahani was notably absent.

“The message was unequivocal — if Yadav is the CM candidate, Sahani insisted on being the Deputy CM,” a senior source close to the VIP leader commented.

“VIP consented to contest only 15 seats, down from their initial demand of 24, as Sahani anticipated this role. Without it, he felt he could not face his supporters.”

This situation threatened the fragile cohesion within the Grand Alliance, necessitating personal intervention from Tejashwi Yadav.

The RJD leader reassured Sahani that all parties would have representation in the prospective government, yet Sahani remained resolute.

Gehlot subsequently contacted the Congress leadership in Delhi to obtain approval for Sahani's deputy designation. The leadership reportedly consented, acknowledging the electoral significance of the Mallah and Nishad communities, which comprise nearly 9 percent of Bihar’s electorate.

Even CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, who awaited downstairs, expressed his support. Consequently, the announcement was made: Tejashwi Yadav as the CM candidate, Mukesh Sahani as his deputy.

Post-announcement, Sahani informed reporters, “No pressure was exerted. It may have been a bit delayed, but it’s better late than never. The NDA has yet to declare its CM candidate — we have clarity on both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.”

Sahani dismissed claims that the press conference was postponed due to his demands, but sources confirmed that his strategic negotiations bore fruit. In addition to the Deputy CM role, VIP is also expected to receive two legislative council seats and one Rajya Sabha position as part of the agreement.

Sahani, a former Bollywood set designer turned politician, is viewed as pivotal in consolidating Mallah, Sahani, and Nishad votes in the Mithilanchal and Seemanchal regions.

Analysts believe his inclusion could create balance in various constituencies.

Tejashwi Yadav, addressing the media after the announcement, suggested that Sahani may not be the sole Deputy Chief Minister if the alliance attains power.

“We will also incorporate others from diverse communities,” he stated, indicating that additional leaders could be included to uphold caste and regional equilibrium.

Ashok Gehlot later affirmed Congress's full support for Tejashwi’s leadership.

“He is young, dynamic, and dedicated. Rahul Gandhi has personally backed his candidature,” Gehlot remarked.

For now, the Grand Alliance has accomplished what seemed improbable — unifying varied partners under a singular leadership model, though the delicate balance among its ambitious leaders may face further tests as the campaign escalates.