In a major political development ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahni has announced that his party will contest on 60 assembly constituencies across the state. The declaration, made before any formal seat-sharing arrangement within the Mahagathbandhan alliance, is expected to intensify political manoeuvring and shift the electoral dynamics in Bihar’s already complex political landscape.

VIP Asserts Its Position with 60-Seat Plan

Mukesh Sahni made the announcement on Monday through his social media platforms, catching political observers and alliance partners off guard. In his statement, Sahni declared that VIP would independently field candidates in 60 constituencies, while the remaining seats across the 243-member Bihar assembly would be contested by other alliance partners. This bold move is widely seen as an assertion of VIP’s growing confidence and a strategic step to claim a stronger bargaining position within the opposition alliance.

By announcing its intention to contest on a significant number of seats, VIP has made it clear that it does not want to be treated as a fringe player. The party aims to leverage its regional presence and community-based appeal to influence the overall strategy of the Mahagathbandhan, which includes the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and several smaller parties.

Strategic Messaging Through Social Media

Mukesh Sahni’s use of social media for this announcement is notable. It not only reflects modern campaign practices but also signifies his intent to directly communicate with the public, bypassing traditional media and formal alliance consultations. Through this announcement, Sahni has sent a clear message to both his supporters and political allies about his party’s readiness and determination to play a pivotal role in the upcoming elections.

This declaration may force other Mahagathbandhan constituents to reassess their seat-sharing expectations. While formal negotiations are yet to begin, VIP’s early assertion might lead to tense discussions, especially with larger allies like RJD, who have historically demanded a major share of the electoral pie.

A Calculated Political Move or a Risky Gamble?

Political analysts view Sahni’s announcement as a high-risk, high-reward move. On one hand, it demonstrates political confidence and signals grassroots mobilisation. On the other hand, it could potentially alienate key allies if the party is perceived as overreaching. If VIP fails to reach a consensus on seat-sharing, it may face the possibility of contesting elections outside the Mahagathbandhan framework, which could split votes and weaken the opposition bloc.

However, Sahni’s statement also leaves room for flexibility. He acknowledged that other alliance partners will field candidates in the remaining seats, implying that VIP is still open to collaboration and negotiation. The current move may be aimed more at setting the tone for future discussions rather than creating a hard-line position.

VIP’s Electoral Ambitions and Community Focus

Since its formation, VIP has focused on representing the Nishad (fishermen) and other backward caste communities. Mukesh Sahni, often referred to as the “Son of Mallah,” has built his political identity on advocating for the rights and representation of these groups, which form a sizable chunk of the electorate in several Bihar constituencies.

By declaring its intention to contest 60 seats, VIP is aiming to convert its caste-based support into tangible political power. The party is expected to field candidates in areas where Nishad voters hold considerable sway. If executed well, this strategy could result in significant gains for the party, especially in constituencies where traditional parties have failed to build deep-rooted local connections.

Impact on Mahagathbandhan’s Unity

The Mahagathbandhan, an alliance primarily led by RJD and Congress, has seen fluctuations in internal coordination and strategy over recent years. With the 2025 elections approaching, the alliance will now need to carefully navigate internal ambitions and strike a balance between accommodating newer players like VIP and ensuring that larger partners do not feel undermined.

The early declaration by VIP may prompt other smaller alliance parties to come forward with similar demands, which could complicate negotiations. It remains to be seen how RJD, which typically contests the largest number of seats, responds to Sahni’s announcement.

Bihar’s Political Climate Ahead of 2025 Polls

Bihar’s political landscape is once again heading towards a high-stakes contest. With the ruling NDA also strengthening its base and planning its campaign, opposition unity is crucial. VIP’s bold step has added a new dimension to pre-election strategies. It reflects not only internal power struggles within alliances but also the aspirations of smaller regional outfits that now seek a more central role in shaping the state’s future.

The coming months will be critical as alliance partners sit down to chalk out a formal seat-sharing formula. The challenge lies in ensuring that ambition does not lead to fragmentation. For VIP, the challenge will be to turn its electoral intent into ground-level support, organisational readiness, and credible candidates who can challenge the might of well-established political entities.

Mukesh Sahni’s announcement of contesting 60 seats in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections signals the Vikassheel Insaan Party’s intent to emerge as a serious stakeholder in the state’s politics. While the declaration has added complexity to the Mahagathbandhan’s preparations, it has also highlighted the growing role of regional players in shaping electoral strategies. How this move plays out in the long run will depend on upcoming negotiations, public response, and ground-level political mobilisation across Bihar.