Patna, Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has been officially declared as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in the upcoming 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. The announcement was made on Thursday, October 23, 2025, by All India Congress Committee (AICC) senior observer for Bihar Assembly Polls, Ashok Gehlot, in Patna. Mukesh Sahani, chief of Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), has been named as the Deputy Chief Ministerial face of the alliance. Gehlot indicated that another Deputy CM would be announced later.

The decision comes amidst intense negotiations and seat-sharing arrangements within the Mahagathbandhan, which includes the RJD, Congress, CPI, CPI (ML), and other parties. Sources indicate that all constituents of the Mahagathbandhan have agreed to endorse Yadav's leadership. The alliance is expected to launch its campaign with the slogan "Chalo Bihar, Badlein Bihar" (Let's go Bihar, Let's change Bihar).

The announcement of Tejashwi Yadav as the CM candidate is a strategic move by the Mahagathbandhan to consolidate its position against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The NDA includes the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), among others. The declaration puts pressure on the NDA to announce its own CM candidate. RJD leaders have pointed out the "injustice" being done to Nitish Kumar within the NDA, noting the absence of a formal announcement of him as their CM face.

The political landscape in Bihar is witnessing a significant shift as the 2025 elections approach. New ideologies are emerging, challenging the influence of traditional leaders, with identity politics and evolving strategies dominating the electoral scene.

However, the announcement was not without its controversies. A banner at the press conference venue featured only a large photograph of Tejashwi Yadav, conspicuously missing images of other top INDIA bloc leaders, sparking debate. Despite this, Congress leaders have dismissed rumors of a rift within the Mahagathbandhan.

In the 2020 elections, the RJD emerged as the single largest party but fell short of forming the government. Tejashwi Yadav, who served as Deputy Chief Minister multiple times, is aiming to broaden his social coalition and move beyond his father's legacy to capture Bihar in 2025.

Several key constituencies will be closely watched in the upcoming elections. Tejashwi Yadav will be contesting from Raghopur, a traditional stronghold of his family. Other important constituencies include Lakhisarai and Tarapur, where key battles are expected.

Political analysts suggest that the Mahagathbandhan's victory in Bihar could reshape national politics, potentially impacting the BJP and JD(U). The Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results expected on November 14.