As Bihar approaches its 2025 Assembly elections, smaller regional parties are emerging as significant players. Leaders like Mukesh Sahani, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Chirag Paswan, and Upendra Kushwaha have previously influenced the state's political dynamics. Their past electoral performances and current alliances could play a crucial role in shaping the upcoming elections. This article delves into their political journeys and potential impact on Bihar's future governance.

Mukesh Sahani – Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP)

Mukesh Sahani, a former Bollywood set designer, founded the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) in 2018. In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, VIP contested 11 seats under the NDA alliance and secured four seats, though Sahani himself lost in Simri Bakhtiarpur. The party's influence has fluctuated due to internal challenges and shifting alliances. In 2025, VIP is part of the Mahagathbandhan, with Sahani expressing dissatisfaction over seat-sharing arrangements, potentially impacting the alliance's cohesion.

Jitan Ram Manjhi – Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM)

Jitan Ram Manjhi, a former Chief Minister of Bihar, established the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) in 2015 after parting ways with JD(U). In the 2015 Assembly elections, HAM contested 20 seats as part of the NDA and secured three seats. The party's influence peaked in the 2020 elections when it won four seats. Manjhi's son, Santosh Suman, was appointed as a minister in Nitish Kumar's cabinet. HAM continues to be a significant ally in the Mahagathbandhan, contributing to the alliance's social justice agenda.

Chirag Paswan – Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)

Chirag Paswan leads the faction of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) known as LJP (Ram Vilas), named after his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan. In the 2014 General Elections, LJP secured six seats in Bihar. In the 2020 Assembly elections, LJP (RV) contested 11 seats under the NDA alliance but did not win any seats. In the upcoming 2025 elections, LJP (RV) has been allocated 29 seats within the NDA's seat-sharing arrangement and has announced 14 candidates. Despite internal disagreements, the party remains a key component of the NDA alliance.

Upendra Kushwaha – Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM)

Upendra Kushwaha founded the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) in 2013, primarily representing the Koeri community. In the 2014 General Elections, RLSP contested three seats in Bihar and won all of them. However, in the 2015 Assembly elections, the party contested 23 seats as part of the NDA but secured only two seats. After parting ways with JD(U), Kushwaha formed the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) in 2023. In the 2025 elections, RLM has been allocated six seats within the NDA's seat-sharing arrangement. Kushwaha's political journey reflects his efforts to maintain influence among the OBC electorate in Bihar.