The three-hour discussion brought together leaders from key opposition parties to devise a strategy for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
Prioritizing key issues: Tejashwi Yadav
RJD leader and Leader of Opposition in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, addressed significant challenges confronting the state.
“Today marked the first meeting of Mahagathbandhan concerning the situation in Bihar. We delved into topics related to poverty, unemployment, and migration,” Yadav informed reporters following the meeting.
#WATCH | Patna | After the Bihar Mahagathbandhan meeting, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav stated, “The first meeting of Mahagathbandhan was held today on the situation in Bihar. We discussed matters related to poverty, unemployment and migration. We discussed matters related to… pic.twitter.com/Gtu05bs6DK
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2025
He also criticized the state government, asserting that Bihar has suffered two decades of stagnation.
“There is significant resentment among the people of Bihar towards the government, which has been in power for the past 20 years. Bihar leads in crime, unemployment, and labor migration. The law and order situation is deteriorating,” Yadav remarked, as reported by ANI.
Furthermore, he challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government, which partners with the current Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], highlighting their “double-engine” narrative.
“PM Modi and the Home Minister frequently visit Bihar, and they should clarify the situation here… The true double engine in Bihar is crime and corruption,” Yadav articulated.
Read more: PM Modi to visit Bihar on April 24 for Panchayati Raj Day celebration
Planning in progress: Congress
Congress’ Bihar in-charge, Krishna Allavaru, who attended the joint press conference, announced the establishment of a Coordination Committee led by Tejashwi Yadav.
“The Coordination Committee aims to advance our agenda,” he stated.
He also indicated that discussions were ongoing regarding campaign strategies, coordination at district and block levels, and the creation of a common minimum program and manifesto, according to News18 Hindi.
Allavaru emphasized that the alliance intends to be the “voice of the people” and hold PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and CM Nitish Kumar accountable on essential issues.
Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan clarified that discussions on seat-sharing had not commenced.
“There was no discussion on it (seat sharing for Bihar polls)…” he noted, as reported by ANI.
Other parties join Mahagathbandhan Alliance
Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) leader Mukesh Sahani showed his support for the alliance and confirmed his party’s inclusion in the Coordination Committee.
“We will fight collectively. Two representatives from each party will participate in the Coordination Committee under Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership. A government in line with Lalu ji’s vision will be formed this time,” Sahani declared to ANI.
#WATCH | Patna | Regarding the Bihar Mahagathbandhan meeting, Vikassheel Insaan Party’s Mukesh Sahani asserts, “We will fight together. Two leaders from each party will be part of the Coordination Committee under Tejashwi Yadav. A government aligned with Lalu ji’s vision… pic.twitter.com/af2p91waRr
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2025
The meeting also decided to facilitate district-level gatherings involving all party heads, followed by block and booth meetings to guarantee grassroots engagement.
As the Bihar elections in 2025 approach, the Mahagathbandhan appears to be consolidating as a unified force, striving to challenge the ruling coalition by emphasizing governance issues and public grievances.
Read more: Rahul Gandhi joins Congress padyatra in Bihar’s Begusarai demanding employment in the state
