Patna: As Bihar moves through the heat of election season, the state’s political corridors are buzzing with two unverified but widely discussed theories. The first involves a supposed “understanding” between the BJP–LJP(R) camp and the RJD–JDU, while the second centres around speculation that Mukesh Sahni of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) may cross over to the NDA after the polls.
Under Punekar News’ Sachcha Jhoot series, which explores such political chatter without taking sides, here’s a closer look at the two most talked-about discussions circulating across Bihar.
Conspiracy 1: The Arrow, The Lantern — and The BJP-LJP Equation
Ever since the seat allocation was announced, a quiet rumour began taking shape in political circles — that a behind-the-scenes deal exists between the JDU and RJD. The supposed arrangement: wherever the BJP and LJP(R) are contesting under the NDA, voters should favour the lantern (RJD’s symbol), and where the Congress and VIP are contesting under the Grand Alliance, they should back the arrow (JDU’s symbol).
This conversation, whispered for days, gained traction on November 6 — the day of the first phase of voting. Phrases like “arrow is lantern, lantern is lantern” began trending in local political discussions and on social media platforms.
The chatter intensified after the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the RJD posted at 10:30 a.m.:
“Where there is a lotus and a helicopter, there is a lantern and an arrow is lantern… Defeat the BJP and the LJP…”
The post triggered immediate reactions, with many interpreting it as a sign of an unusual understanding between the rival camps. Soon, YouTubers and political commentators began analysing it, pushing the theory into the mainstream.
The JDU quickly countered by reposting the RJD’s message and adding a sharp response:
“This thug alliance, dreaming of power with the help of broken lanterns, has never had an acceptable leader or strong intentions. Don’t waste your vote on these greedy monkeys; vote for Bihar’s development. This time, not just trends — results will speak — with a massive NDA majority.”
Despite the denial, the speculation hasn’t completely faded. Many political observers believe the post-poll scenario could reveal more than what’s visible now. Whether there’s any truth behind the whispers or not, the theory continues to fuel Bihar’s election-time intrigue.
Conspiracy 2: Will Mukesh Sahni Return to NDA After the Polls?
The second major theory revolves around Mukesh Sahni, often referred to as Bihar’s Son of the Boatman. Known for his political manoeuvring, Sahni has been the subject of renewed speculation that he may realign with the NDA after the elections.
Despite being a part of the Grand Alliance and reportedly being promised 15 seats and the Deputy Chief Minister’s post, Sahni faced internal setbacks. His party, VIP, was allotted the Gaurabauram seat in Darbhanga. However, the RJD had already given its symbol to Afzal Ali Khan for the same constituency.
Ignoring this, Sahni fielded his younger brother and VIP’s national president, Santosh Sahni, from Gaurabauram. When RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav requested Afzal to withdraw, he refused. In response, RJD expelled Afzal from the party for six years on November 3, even as Tejashwi publicly appealed for votes in favour of Santosh Sahni.
But just a day before voting, in a dramatic twist, Mukesh Sahni withdrew his brother’s nomination and extended support to RJD’s Afzal Khan. He posted on Facebook:
“Sometimes one has to make big sacrifices to achieve big goals.”
This sudden reversal surprised many within the Grand Alliance and further fuelled the talk that Sahni could once again change sides after the results. Political observers view this as a matter of personal and political prestige for Sahni.
When asked on October 28 whether his party would leave the Grand Alliance and join the NDA post-results, Sahni had cryptically said, “My decision will be in the best interest of the party and society.”
His response, coupled with his cordial relationship with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has intensified speculation that another realignment could be on the cards.
The Buzz Continues
For now, both discussions — the so-called BJP-LJP and RJD-JDU “understanding” and the possibility of Sahni’s shift — remain unverified. Yet, in a state known for its complex alliances and sudden twists, such rumours are taken seriously until proven otherwise.
As Bihar awaits the election results, the line between strategy and speculation remains blurred. Whether these political theories turn out to be sachcha or jhoot will be known only after the ballots are counted.
