Is Tejashwi Yadav Set to Become the CM Face for Mahagathbandhan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tejashwi Yadav may be named the CM candidate for the Mahagathbandhan.
- The press conference takes place at Maurya Hotel in Patna.
- Growing impatience exists within the alliance regarding the delay in announcing the candidate.
- The event could solidify the Mahagathbandhan's position ahead of elections.
- Key leaders are actively engaging in strategic discussions.
Patna, Oct 23 (NationPress) As the Mahagathbandhan gears up for a significant press conference on Thursday, there is widespread speculation that the awaited announcement regarding Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav being declared the alliance's Chief Ministerial candidate is imminent.
This development follows a meeting that took place on Wednesday between Tejashwi Yadav, senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, and the party's Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru, who convened in Patna with Tejashwi and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.
The venue for Thursday's press event at Patna's Maurya Hotel adds to the anticipation— the press conference banner prominently features the election symbols of all Mahagathbandhan partners, but it showcases only a large image of Tejashwi Yadav.
Additionally, the banner includes the hashtag 'Bihar maange Tejashwi sarkar (Bihar demands Tejashwi government)'.
This event marks the first joint press conference of the Mahagathbandhan since the election dates were announced.
The last occasion the Mahagathbandhan leaders shared the spotlight was during the launch of the 'Ati Pichhda EBC Sankalp Patra' in Patna on September 24, featuring Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, and Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani.
Previously, the leaders participated together in Rahul Gandhi's fortnight-long 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', which spanned over 25 districts in Bihar.
While the Congress party has remained tight-lipped regarding the outcome of Wednesday's discussions, alliance partner CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya signaled growing frustration within the coalition concerning the delay in officially naming Tejashwi Yadav as the CM candidate.
"Tejashwi's name as the Opposition's CM candidate could be formally announced at the joint press conference on Thursday. The entire state of Bihar is aware that Tejashwi will assume the role of CM if the Opposition bloc secures a majority," stated Bhattacharya.
In contrast, Ashok Gehlot has adopted a more cautious approach, suggesting that all uncertainties will be clarified during Thursday's press conference.
To date, the Congress has been careful in declaring Tejashwi Yadav as the agreed choice of the Opposition alliance.
The party has not reciprocated Tejashwi's public endorsement of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi as the alliance's prime ministerial candidate for the 2024 general elections.