Patna: Mukesh Sahani, leader of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) and a notable figure in Bihar’s political landscape, experienced a significant defeat in the 2025 Assembly elections, failing to secure any seats after contesting in 15 constituencies. Sahani, once viewed as a pivotal political figure in Bihar, had sought the Deputy Chief Minister role in the Grand Alliance, closely aligning with Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the alliance’s Chief Ministerial candidate. His public collaborations with Yadav during the campaign indicated a strategic effort to strengthen his social base, particularly among the Nishad and fishing communities. In the lead-up to the elections, Sahani initially requested 60 seats for VIP but ultimately settled on competing for 15.
Previously, his party had contested 11 seats in 2020, winning four, which resulted in Sahani’s ministerial appointment in the state government. Nonetheless, three of his MLAs later switched to the BJP, undermining VIP’s position. The outcomes of the 2025 elections signified a drastic reduction in VIP’s political clout. Despite Sahani’s attempts to establish himself as a key advocate for the Nishad community and to extend his party’s reach in rural Bihar, voters largely dismissed his candidates. Analysts indicate that while Sahani possesses considerable recognition among the youth and fishing communities, this backing was inadequate for electoral success. His political path has been characterized by notable contrasts.
Originating from a modest fishing family in Darbhanga, Bihar, he initially worked as a film set designer in Mumbai prior to venturing into politics. In 2018, he established VIP to advocate for the Nishad community and other marginalized groups in Bihar. His ascent was defined by ambition and strategic partnerships, including fleeting associations with both the NDA and Grand Alliance. In response to the party’s defeat, Sahani remarked: “We accept this mandate and I congratulate those who won – the NDA. The votes of mothers and sisters fell in favor of the NDA, which is why they are achieving such a big victory. We will further deliberate on the reasons for our failure.”
