The Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), led by Mukesh Sahni in Bihar, has joined the grand alliance in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This pivotal political alignment, primarily between Mukesh Sahni and the RJD, was unveiled by RJD leader and former Deputy CM of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav. The agreement - to allocate 3 Lok Sabha seats to VIP - has been a significant discussion point. In this election, RJD will cede 3 of its 26 seats to Sahni's VIP. VIP candidates are set to contest seats in Gopalganj, Jhanjharpur, and Motihari.
Mukesh Sahni's Alliances in Bihar Politics
Mukesh Sahni and his VIP have trodden a path similar to many regional parties in Bihar. Sahni has been known to align with various political forces in the state. For instance, having initiated his political journey with BJP, Sahni has also walked in step with the Janata Dal United (JDU) and the Lok Shakti Party (LSP), moving between the NDA and grand alliance.
Sahni campaigned vigorously for the BJP in the 2015 state elections. However, that year BJP faced defeat against the combined force of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar. Gradually, BJP distanced itself from Sahni, who thereafter embraced the grand alliance. After some time with the grand alliance, Sahni switched allegiance back to the NDA. Moreover, post the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections and the formation of the NDA government, Sahni secured a ministerial role in the Nitish Kumar-led cabinet, although he was later excused from his duties.
As a Minister in the NDA Government, Sahni Blowed the Whistle of Rebellion
Following losses in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Sahni reentered the NDA fold. In the 2020 Assembly elections, his party VIP received 11 seats to contest from the NDA quota. While Sahni lost his own election, VIP managed to win 4 seats. Despite his personal defeat, Sahni was awarded a ministerial post by the NDA government and was also made a member of the legislative council by the BJP.
Furthermore, during the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Sahni fielded over 50 candidates against the BJP. Additionally, during a by-election in the Muzaffarpur's Bochahan Assembly constituency following the death of VIP legislator Musafir Paswan, Sahni showcased his rebellious spirit by filling a candidate's nomination against the BJP's choice. Later, in March 2022, Sahni was removed from his ministerial positions of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries in the Bihar government.
Sahni's Strongholds
Mukesh Sahni is recognised as the 'Son of Mallah.' He primarily focuses on the politics of the Nishad (Mallah) community. Mallahs comprise approximately 7% of Bihar's population, a figure that Sahni estimates to be closer to 14%. Regions in North Bihar, where rivers are abundant, fall under Sahni's influence. VIP's presence can be felt in areas such as Darbhanga, Madhubani, Khagaria, Vaishali, and Muzaffarpur, where Sahni's voter base could significantly impact election outcomes, especially in tight races.
Party Without an MLA Granted Three Lok Sabha Seats
Despite having no representation in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, VIP has received three significant Lok Sabha seats as part of the grand alliance share from the RJD - Jhanjharpur, Motihari, and Gopalganj. In both the 2014 and 2019 elections, these seats were won by NDA candidates. Although VIP, as part of the grand alliance in 2019, contested three seats and failed to secure victory. In that year's general election, Sahni himself was defeated in Khagaria by LJP candidate Mehboob Ali Kaiser.
The Moment Sahni Walked Out of a Press Conference
During negotiations for the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, Sahni and the grand alliance led by RJD failed to reach a consensus on seat distribution. Amidst the announcement of seat allotments within the grand alliance in Patna, a ruckus broke out. VIP's chief Mukesh Sahni boycotted the press conference and exited amidst chants against Tejashwi Yadav. Sahni abandoned the grand alliance's meeting and later joined the NDA.
The Benefits of Aligning with the Grand Alliance
Over the past 9 years, Mukesh Sahni has emerged as an established figure in Bihar politics, proving his strategic value time and again. However, it's evident that whenever Sahni has received seats, it has been while in alliance with the NDA. He tried his luck with the grand alliance during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections but failed to make a significant impact. In the upcoming elections, Nishad voters could play a pivotal role, and if Sahni can successfully transfer his votes to the grand alliance, it could tip the scales in their favor. The electoral battle between the NDA and the grand alliance will determine which coalition brings the most clout to the fray.
