The BRICS TimesSenior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot arrived in Patna amid the Bihar elections. He first met RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and Bihar’s Leader of Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav.
Gehlot’s Intervention Saves Mahagathbandhan
Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot played a key role. He resolved the major dispute within the Mahagathbandhan before the Bihar assembly elections. The exact seat-sharing formula was undecided until the very last minute.
The Mahagathbandhan faced a severe breakdown risk. This happened after the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) decided to go alone. Gehlot’s arrival in Patna helped stabilize the situation.
The Deputy Chief Minister Puzzle
Gehlot first met with Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav. He later held talks with Mukesh Sahani. Following several rounds of discussions, the Mahagathbandhan held a joint press conference. They declared Tejashwi Yadav as the Chief Ministerial candidate. However, the biggest question remained the Deputy Chief Minister’s face.
“No Deputy CM, No Alliance” – Mukesh Sahani
Sources revealed Mukesh Sahani continuously pressured the alliance leaders. He wanted to be named the Deputy Chief Minister candidate. Tejashwi Yadav was reportedly against this idea. Tejashwi wanted the entire election fought on his persona. This would ensure he got full credit if they won.
Disagreement escalated severely on this matter. Mukesh Sahani even threatened to leave the alliance. He said he would exit if he was not declared the Deputy CM face.
Congress Takes Charge of the Deputy CM Row
The situation between Tejashwi Yadav and Mukesh Sahani worsened significantly. The Congress party had to intervene and take control. Congress leader and former CM Ashok Gehlot reached Patna. He successfully brought both sides together for talks.
Sources suggest Gehlot advised Tejashwi Yadav, “Win the election first, form the government, and you will become the Chief Minister.” He added, “If the alliance breaks, the question of government will not even arise.”
Sahani Confirmed as Deputy CM After Congress Mediation
Tejashwi Yadav eventually agreed after Gehlot’s mediation. Following the agreement, the joint press conference announced it. Mukesh Sahani would be projected as the Deputy Chief Minister face. They also added that Deputy CMs might be chosen from other communities. This would prevent discontent among various groups.
Gehlot’s timely intervention prevented the Mahagathbandhan from splitting. It also set the course for the election campaign. Political circles believe Ashok Gehlot showcased his political ‘magic’ once again. He made an seemingly impossible deal possible.
This is why Tejashwi Yadav could finally be declared the Mahagathbandhan’s Chief Minister face. VIP sources, however, stated Congress was unclear on its stand. The deal was finalized only after Rahul Gandhi’s involvement.
Sahani called Rahul Gandhi in front of Tejashwi and Gehlot. He spoke to Rahul and then made Gehlot speak to him on the same call. The announcement followed immediately after this phone call.
