Opposition Alliance Names Leader After Weeks of Internal Disputes
After weeks of intense infighting, Bihar's Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) has finally named RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial face. The announcement came at a joint press conference, which the opposition attempted to frame as a significant show of strength. However, the decision comes dangerously late—just two weeks before the first phase of the state elections. The delay, and the need to fly in a senior Congress leader as a "troubleshooter," signals that serious internal divisions continue to plague the alliance, even as it presents a united front.
The Last-Minute Leadership Deal
The leadership decision was formally announced by senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot. His presence in Patna highlighted the seriousness of the fractures within the bloc. "After discussions with all senior leaders, we have decided that Tejashwi Yadav will be the CM face of Mahagathbandhan," Gehlot stated.
In a key concession to appease allies, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani was declared the deputy chief ministerial candidate. Sahani, who commands influence in the Nishad community, had driven a hard bargain during the seat-sharing talks. Gehlot also promised that a second deputy CM, representing another backward class, would be appointed if the alliance successfully forms the government.
Deep Fractures Remain Unresolved
Despite this public display of unity, the alliance is still facing serious internal problems. Crucially, leaders at the press conference failed to address the critical issue of seat-sharing conflicts. The Mahagathbandhan is reportedly facing overlapping nominations in around 12 different constituencies. This means that candidates from allied parties are set to compete directly against each other, a situation that will almost certainly split the opposition vote.
With the deadline for withdrawing candidates for the second phase imminent, the bloc is running out of time to resolve these "friendly fights." If these internal contests proceed, they will directly benefit the rival NDA alliance, undermining the Mahagathbandhan's entire campaign.
Alliance Pivots to Offense
With their own leadership question finally settled, the Grand Alliance immediately went on the attack. They challenged the NDA to officially declare its own chief ministerial candidate. Tejashwi Yadav, who will contest from his traditional Raghopur seat, directly dared the NDA to publicly name JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar as its CM.
The RJD leader suggested that "injustice is happening" to Kumar. This move is a clear attempt to capitalize on recent speculation about the incumbent's health and his political standing within the NDA. "We have been saying it for a long time that Nitish Kumar will not be made the next CM," Tejashwi claimed. He framed the NDA's "double engine government" as having one engine of corruption and another of crime.
The two-phase elections in Bihar are scheduled for November 6 and 11, with results to be announced on November 14. This leaves the newly-united alliance very little time to take its message to the people.
Image Source: The Hans India
