Who is Mukesh Sahani, the ‘VIP’ leader chosen as INDIA bloc’s deputy CM candidate for Bihar

Patna: In a significant development ahead of the Bihar assembly election 2025, the opposition INDIA bloc has declared RJD leader and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) convener Mukesh Sahani as its chief ministerial and deputy chief ministerial candidate respectively for the Bihar assembly elections. Selected as the deputy chief minister candiadte for the INDIA bloc, Mukesh Sahani has taken a big leap forward in the leadership of Bihar. Here are all the details you need to know about Mukesh Sahani, the deputy chief minister candidate for the INDIA bloc.

Who is Mukesh Sahani?

Hailing from Bihar’s Darbhanga district, Mukesh Sahani began his career in Mumbai’s film industry at 18, earning Rs 900 before founding Mukesh Cineworld Pvt Ltd. Entering politics in 2013 by supporting the BJP, Sahani shared stages with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah during the 2015 Bihar elections. Mukesh founded the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) in 2018 to represent the Mallah/Nishad community, which is part of Bihar’s 29% Extremely Backward Castes.

Now named deputy INDIA block’s deputy CM candidate, Sahani’s inclusion is seen as a strategic move to attract EBC voters and strengthen the Mahagathbandhan’s rural base.

Bihar Assembly Election 2025 details

The 2025 Bihar assembly elections will have the main contest between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahagathbandhan. NDA includes the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.

Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes Congress party, the Communist Party of India(BHARAT) (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India(BHARAT) (CPI), the Communist Party of India(BHARAT) (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani’s Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP).
Additionally, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj has also staked claims on all 243 seats of the state.

The assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14.

(With inputs from agencies)