The three-hour-long deliberation saw leaders from major opposition parties come together to formulate a strategy for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
Focus on core issues: Tejashwi Yadav
RJD leader and Leader of Opposition in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, highlighted key concerns facing the state.
“The first meeting of Mahagathbandhan was held today on the situation in Bihar. We discussed matters related to poverty, unemployment and migration,” Yadav told reporters after the meeting.
#WATCH | Patna | Following the meeting of Bihar Mahagathbandhan, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, “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 further criticised the state government, claiming that Bihar has endured two decades of stagnation.
“There is a lot of anger among the people of Bihar against the government, which has been in power for the last 20 years. Bihar is number one in crime, unemployment and migration of labour. There is no law and order in the state,” Yadav remarked, reported ANI.
He also questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government, which is allied with current Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], calling out their “double-engine” government.
“PM Modi and the Home Minister keep coming to Bihar, and they should answer what is happening in Bihar… The real double engine in Bihar is – crime and corruption,” Yadav said.
Read more: PM Modi to visit Bihar on April 24 for Panchayati Raj Day celebration
Strategy in the making: Congress
Congress’ Bihar in-charge, Krishna Allavaru, present at the joint press conference, confirmed that a Coordination Committee had been formed under Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership.
“The Coordination Committee will work to take things forward,” he said.
He also noted that discussions were underway regarding campaign strategy, coordination at the district and block levels, and the formulation of a common minimum programme and manifesto, as per News18 Hindi.
Allavaru asserted that the alliance would become the “voice of the people” and hold PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and CM Nitish Kumar accountable on core issues.
Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan clarified that seat-sharing talks had not yet begun.
“There was no discussion on it (seat sharing for Bihar polls)…” he said, reported ANI.
Other parties join Mahagathbandhan Alliance
Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) leader Mukesh Sahani expressed solidarity with the alliance and confirmed his party’s participation in the Coordination Committee.
“We will fight together. Two leaders from each party will be a part of the Coordination Committee under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav. Lalu ji ki vichaar dhara wala sarkaar banegi iss baar,” Sahani told ANI.
#WATCH | Patna | On the meeting of Bihar Mahagathbandhan, Vikassheel Insaan Party’s Mukesh Sahani says, “We will fight together. Two leaders from each party will be a part of the Coordination Committee under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav. Lalu ji ki vichaar dhara wala sarkaar… pic.twitter.com/af2p91waRr
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2025
The meeting also decided to organise district-level meetings involving all party presidents, followed by meetings at the block and booth levels to ensure grassroots mobilisation.
As the Bihar elections 2025 draw closer, the Mahagathbandhan appears to be positioning itself as a united front, aiming to challenge the ruling alliance by focusing on governance issues and public discontent.
Read more: Rahul Gandhi joins Congress padyatra in Bihar’s Begusarai demanding employment in the state
