In a significant political move aimed at strengthening the Mahagathbandhan’s position in Bihar, the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) has withdrawn its candidate Santosh Sahni from the Gaura Bauram Assembly constituency, declaring full support for RJD nominee Mohammad Afzal Ali Khan.
The announcement was made in Darbhanga by VIP founder and former Bihar minister Mukesh Sahni, who said both the RJD and VIP had fielded candidates from the same seat, leading to confusion among alliance voters. Despite several rounds of talks, the RJD candidate refused to withdraw, prompting the VIP to take a “larger political decision” in the interest of alliance unity.
“This is not about one legislator; it’s about ensuring the formation of a Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar. If both candidates had stayed in the contest, the NDA would have gained an advantage,” Mukesh Sahni stated while addressing party workers.
He further appealed to all VIP supporters in the constituency to rally behind Afzal Ali Khan, emphasizing that a victory for the RJD candidate would still strengthen the Mahagathbandhan coalition. “Even if the RJD candidate wins, the government will be that of the Mahagathbandhan. Our goal is to carry forward Lalu Prasad Yadav’s vision of social justice,” he said.
Interestingly, Afzal Ali Khan was expelled by the RJD for six years after insisting on contesting despite internal negotiations. However, on paper, he remains the official RJD candidate from the Gaura Bauram seat.
