In a dramatic turn of political fortunes, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani has reemerged as a central figure in Bihar politics, being declared the deputy chief ministerial face of the INDIA bloc ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The announcement marks a stunning comeback for the former Bollywood set designer-turned-politician, who had once walked out of a similar press conference five years ago, accusing the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) of betrayal.
Before the 2020 assembly elections, Sahani had stormed out of the grand alliance’s press meet, alleging that RJD chief Tejashwi Yadav backstabbed him during seat distribution. Left out and frustrated, Sahani joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), where the BJP offered him 11 seats. Though the VIP managed to win four, Sahani himself lost his seat. Nevertheless, he was accommodated as a minister in the Bihar government and later sent to the Legislative Council to retain his position.
However, Sahani’s relationship with the BJP soured during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh elections. Hoping to expand his influence in eastern UP — home to a significant Nishad community — Sahani sought BJP support, but the party chose to align with Sanjay Nishad’s outfit instead. In retaliation, Sahani fielded 56 candidates independently, vowing to “remove Yogi in 2022 and Modi in 2024.” The move backfired, as almost all his candidates lost their deposits.
His defiance cost him his ministerial berth when Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recommended his dismissal in 2022. Yet, despite multiple setbacks and electoral losses, Sahani’s political relevance has endured. His return to the INDIA bloc symbolizes both political pragmatism and the alliance’s strategy to consolidate the crucial Extremely Backward Class (EBC) votes — which account for nearly 30% of Bihar’s electorate.
Sahani, who belongs to the Mallah sub-caste of the Nishad community, represents roughly 2.6% of the state’s population. Political observers believe his renewed alliance with Tejashwi Yadav could strengthen the opposition’s reach among riverine and boating communities in Bihar’s heartland.
