Mahagathbandhan—the Grand Alliance—has officially chosen Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial (CM) face for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. But in every press conference and rally, Tejashwi insists that unity and shared goals matter far more than individual faces. For him, defeating the NDA and “making Bihar” is a collective mission, not a one-man show.
Key Takeaways: The Big Announcement
- Tejashwi Yadav named CM face: In a joint press event in Patna, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot declared Tejashwi as the chief ministerial candidate.
- Mukesh Sahani as deputy CM pick: The VIP party’s Mukesh Sahani will be deputy chief minister if the alliance forms the government.
- Unity on display: INDIA bloc partners (RJD, Congress, Left, VIP) appeared united, signalling their focus is on common promises to voters, not just personalities.
“Unity Over Names”: Why It’s the Core Message
Tejashwi Yadav’s first reaction was to thank ally parties, then to stress unity, saying the real strength is in coming together for Bihar’s future—not an individual’s ambitions. The alliance also challenged the NDA: “Our face is set—who is yours?” suggesting that their leadership is settled and they’re ready to focus on solutions, while the BJP-led NDA hasn’t declared its candidate.
Timing and Strategy
- This announcement came just weeks before polling, compressing the time for seat-sharing agreements and on-ground coordination.
- The alliance aims to turn late momentum and media focus into voter energy, betting that clear leadership, alongside visible teamwork, will pay off in the campaign’s final stretch.
Why a Deputy CM Pick Matters
Naming Mukesh Sahani as potential deputy CM is a shrewd move:
- It reaches out to Nishad and non-Yadav OBC communities.
- It shows the alliance embraces a team approach, not just a single leader at the top.
- There’s even talk about possibly naming a second deputy CM from another community to further strengthen the coalition.
Election Optics: Campaign Strengths and Weaknesses
- UNITY: The Grand Alliance made a point to show all members together—a strong, united front.
- CRITICISM: BJP still tried to score points by highlighting the absence of some national leaders’ portraits behind the stage, claiming this signaled division.
- COUNTER: The alliance fired back, focusing media attention on the NDA’s lack of a declared CM candidate.
The Broad Picture: Who’s in Which Camp?
- Mahagathbandhan: RJD, Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPM, VIP
- NDA: BJP, JD(U), LJP(RV), HAM(S), RLM
- Third pole: Jan Suraaj, led by Prashant Kishor, which is running in every seat and criticizing both big alliances.
Why Tejashwi Still Says “Unity First”
Even after being named CM candidate, Tejashwi keeps underlining that the alliance’s real work is:
- Finalizing seat-sharing so ground teams work together, not at cross-purposes.
- Delivering a joint manifesto with clear promises and practical solutions for jobs, inflation relief, and infrastructure.
- Making sure the focus remains on real issues facing Biharis, not just leadership drama.
If the alliance manages these things, the agenda will be more powerful than any individual face.
NDA’s Playbook & Election Risks
- NDA’s Argument: They’re expected to market Nitish Kumar’s “stability” against the opposition’s late decision and past differences.
- Unresolved Risks: With a tight timeline, the Grand Alliance must swiftly resolve seat-sharing and field a coordinated, on-message campaign to prevent any last-minute splits or confusion.
What’s Next for the Grand Alliance?
- Push out a joint, clear manifesto with practical solutions for Bihar’s big problems.
- Quickly finalize candidates and start hyper-local campaigns.
- Maintain visible unity at every rally and public appearance.
- Stay relentlessly focused on delivery and avoid getting sidetracked by personality politics.
The Bottom Line
Tejashwi Yadav is the official CM candidate, but the Grand Alliance’s real strength—and best shot at winning—comes from its message of unity, social inclusion, and practical solutions. If the bloc truly acts as a team, keeps its promises central, and stays disciplined, the face at the top will matter less than the work done on the ground. Voters want solutions, stability, and a clear vision. That’s what will win Bihar, not just the name on a poster.
