Patna: The Grand Alliance on Thursday intensified its preparations for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, formally announcing Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Ministerial candidate and Mukesh Sahni as one of the Deputy Chief Ministers. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot made the announcement at a press conference in Patna, signalling a new phase in Bihar’s political landscape.
Gehlot also hinted that the alliance might appoint multiple Deputy Chief Ministers if it comes to power, aiming to ensure representation from different social groups. “If our government is formed, we will give Deputy Chief Minister posts to representatives from other sections of society,” Gehlot said, in what appeared to be a move to balance caste equations.
Tejashwi Yadav, who belongs to the OBC community, and Mukesh Sahni, representing the Extremely Backward Class (EBC), are seen as the pillars of the Grand Alliance’s social strategy. Political observers suggest that additional Deputy Chief Ministers could include leaders from upper castes, Dalits, and Muslims — possibly from Congress or allied parties.
At the press conference, Tejashwi Yadav said, “If even Tejashwi’s shadow does something wrong, Tejashwi will punish it. This is my resolve. We will build a new Bihar together.”
Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram added that the INDIA bloc stood united. “The foundation of this unity was laid when Rahul Gandhi worked tirelessly for 17 months under the Voter Rights Yatra to strengthen the alliance,” he said.
CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, also part of the Grand Alliance, said that while his party would contest fewer seats this time, it remained committed to a united front. “We will fight the elections together. The decision to announce a Deputy CM face reflects the realities of a large and diverse state like Bihar,” he told reporters, clarifying that CPI(ML) would not join the cabinet even if the alliance formed the government.
