Darbhanga: The long-standing uncertainty over the Gaurabauram assembly seat in Darbhanga has been resolved, with Santosh Sahni of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) confirmed as the Grand Alliance’s official candidate. The decision follows a letter from RJD supremo Lalu Prasad to the Election Commission, formally endorsing Santosh Sahni for the constituency.
The seat had been the subject of an internal contest within the alliance. Afzal Ali of the RJD had also filed his nomination, creating a temporary “friendly rivalry” within the coalition. Following the EC notification, Afzal Ali has now chosen to contest as an independent candidate, leaving the VIP nominee as the sole Grand Alliance contender.
Santosh Sahni, the younger brother of VIP president Mukesh Sahni, filed his nomination on October 17, 2025, accompanied by his brother. VIP chief Mukesh Sahni will not contest this election, opting instead to potentially serve as Deputy Chief Minister if the Grand Alliance forms the next Bihar government.
VIP has released its first list of six candidates across Bihar, including Bhogendra Sahni (Aurai), Rakesh Kumar (Baruraj), Umesh Sahni (Darbhanga Urban), Ganesh Bharti (Kusheshwarsthan), and Naveen Nishad (Alamnagar), all of whom have completed their nominations.
