The Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) in Bihar has officially named Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Ministerial candidate for the upcoming Assembly elections, putting an end to weeks of speculation. The announcement was made on Wednesday during a joint press conference at Hotel Maurya in Patna, attended by leaders from all alliance partners.
Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot made the declaration, praising Tejashwi Yadavโs credentials. โTejashwi Yadav is young, capable, and a man of commitment. He has fulfilled his promises and has a long political career ahead. The Grand Alliance will contest this election under his leadership. He will be our Chief Ministerial face,โ Gehlot stated.ย
ย
ย
He further revealed that Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani would be the allianceโs choice for the Deputy Chief Ministerโs post, emphasising the coalitionโs unity by adding, โAll is well within the Grand Alliance. We will contest together with full unity and strength.โ
ย
ย
The announcement resolves a critical issue that had stalled the seat-sharing agreement between the RJD and the Congress, which has not yet been formally finalised. Earlier this week, the RJD released a list of 143 candidates for the elections. The Congress, which had initially demanded 70 seatsโmatching its 2020 allocation when it secured only 19โfaced pressure to reduce its demand.ย
ย
ย
ย
The decision to project Tejashwi Yadav as the CM face also settles a point of contention, as most alliance partners, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), and VIP, had already endorsed him. The Congress, however, had previously argued that the leadership question should be decided post-election. Wednesdayโs unanimous backing of Tejashwi Yadav by all partners eliminates this uncertainty.
ย
Also Read: INDIA Bloc ‘fully united’ after RJD leadership meet: Gehlot
Political analysts suggest that this move could galvanise the Grand Allianceโs core voter base, particularly among youth and backward caste communities, while presenting a united front against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The NDA comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. The Mahagathbandhan, on the other hand, includes the RJD, Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPI(M), and VIP.
Adding to the electoral complexity, Prashant Kishorโs Jan Suraaj has announced its intention to contest all 243 seats in the Bihar Assembly, intensifying the competition. The elections are scheduled to take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, with vote counting set for November 14.
ย
Also Read: Bihar trusts Modi-Nitish, Tejashwi lacks credibility: Prasad