Is Mukesh Sahani's VIP Ready to Contend for 60 Seats in Bihar Assembly Elections?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mukesh Sahani aims to contest 60 seats in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
- The announcement signals a shift in Bihar's political landscape.
- VIP's move could challenge existing political alliances.
- Sahani's base among the Nishad community continues to grow.
- The upcoming elections may introduce new dynamics in coalition politics.
Patna, July 28 (NationPress) In a major political development, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) leader Mukesh Sahani announced on Monday that his party plans to contest 60 seats in the forthcoming 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
This declaration, made through a social media update, has ignited fresh discussions and strategic shifts within the ever-changing political environment of the state.
“VIP will aim for 60 seats in 2025, while candidates from our allies will cover the remaining constituencies,” the post revealed.
This move suggests that VIP is not only growing in ambition but is also considering forming a broader coalition.
Known as the “Son of Mallah,” Mukesh Sahani has become a significant advocate for the Nishad community in Bihar.
His latest announcement indicates a transition from being a political kingmaker to seeking a more dominant role.
During the 2020 Assembly elections, VIP participated under the NDA umbrella and managed to win four seats; however, tensions arose soon after, leading Sahani to part ways with the BJP-led coalition.
His party's support base, particularly among the Mallah (fisherfolk) community, has grown in recent years, and this electoral claim is perceived as a strategy to unify that base into a more formidable political entity.
Sahani’s announcement arrives as the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) is finalizing its pre-election strategies.
The VIP's goal to contest 60 seats poses a new challenge for alliance negotiations.
If VIP aligns itself with the Grand Alliance, this demand could lead partners like RJD, Congress, and Left parties to rethink their seat-sharing arrangements, potentially stirring intra-alliance conflicts.
“Contesting 60 seats is a daring initiative and illustrates Sahani’s ambition to play a more prominent role,” remarked a senior political analyst.
Sahani has persistently advocated for reservations for the Nishad community, a crucial demand that resonates with his primary supporters.
His political messaging and outreach have primarily targeted issues impacting Extremely Backward Castes (EBCs), and his increasing collaborations with Tejashwi Yadav in recent months indicate his growing connection with the RJD.