Bihar Elections: Kanhaiya Kumar Declares Tejashwi Yadav as Mahagathbandhan’s CM Face
Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar has confirmed Tejashwi Yadav as the Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Speaking on June 27, 2025, Kumar confirmed Tejashwi Yadav as Mahagathbandhan’s CM Face and dismissed any internal disputes within the alliance, emphasizing the importance of unity. The announcement strengthens the RJD-Congress alliance’s strategy to challenge the ruling NDA. With critical issues like unemployment and healthcare dominating voter concerns, the Mahagathbandhan aims for a clear majority. Kumar also criticized the BJP’s tactics, alleging that they seek to replace Nitish Kumar if given a chance.
Key Developments
On June 27, 2025, Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar announced that Tejashwi Yadav, a leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), is the Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Speaking to PTI in Patna, Kumar clarified there is no confusion or dispute within the alliance regarding Yadav’s leadership. The Mahagathbandhan, comprising the RJD, Congress, and Left parties, has formed a media group and a manifesto committee to prepare for the upcoming polls. Kumar accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to undermine Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The elections are expected to take place later in 2025.
Overview
The Bihar Assembly elections 2025 are heating up, with Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar confirming Tejashwi Yadav as the Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate. Speaking in Patna on June 27, 2025, Kumar dismissed speculations of internal rifts within the opposition alliance, which includes RJD, Congress, and Left parties. He emphasized that Yadav, a prominent RJD leader, is the undisputed face for the CM post. The announcement strengthens the RJD-Congress alliance’s strategy for the Bihar polls, aiming to challenge the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). With unemployment, education, and healthcare as key voter issues, Mahagathbandhan is confident of securing a majority.
Quotes from Key Figures
Kanhaiya Kumar told PTI, “No confusion or dispute in Mahagathbandhan on Tejashwi Yadav being the main face for CM post, Tejashwi Yadav as Mahagathbandhan’s CM Face” He added, “If Mahagathbandhan gets a majority, the chief minister will be from RJD.”
RJD Congress alliance Bihar polls: Tejashwi Yadav, speaking at a youth event on June 26, 2025, urged voters, “Give me 20 months to change Bihar.”
Kumar criticized the BJP, stating, “They are helpless and cannot push Nitish ji behind.”
Bihar Congress president Rajesh Kumar raised concerns about the Election Commission’s voter list revision, alleging, “It’s a conspiracy to disenfranchise Dalits and minorities.”
BJP leaders dismissed Yadav’s promises as “pre-poll rhetoric” and “hollow promises.”
Mahagathbandhan Background
The Mahagathbandhan, formed in 2015, is an alliance comprising the RJD, Congress, and Left parties aimed at countering the NDA in Bihar. In the 2020 elections, RJD contested 144 seats, winning 75, while Congress won 19 out of 70. The alliance narrowly lost to the NDA, led by Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the BJP. Tensions arose earlier in 2025 when Congress hesitated to endorse Tejashwi Yadav as the CM candidate, sparking rumors of discord. Kumar’s recent statement resolves these doubts, reinforcing the RJD-Congress alliance’s strategy for the Bihar polls. The NDA, meanwhile, has assured Nitish Kumar’s continuation as the CM face.
Mahagathbandhan’s electoral strategy
The confirmation of Tejashwi Yadav as the Bihar CM candidate strengthens Mahagathbandhan’s electoral strategy for the Bihar assembly elections 2025. Political analysts see this as a move to consolidate the alliance’s voter base, particularly among the Yadav community, which forms 14.27% of Bihar’s OBC population. The focus on issues such as unemployment, migration, and inadequate healthcare resonates with young voters and marginalized groups. However, the alliance faces challenges from the NDA’s strong organizational network and Nitish Kumar’s established leadership. Kumar’s criticism of the BJP suggests internal tensions within the NDA, which the Mahagathbandhan could exploit. The voter list revision controversy may also impact public trust in the electoral process.
Bihar Mahagathbandhan’s election strategy could prioritise social welfare schemes, given RJD’s focus on addressing unemployment and education. Socially, the alliance’s emphasis on inclusivity could appeal to Dalits and minorities, but it risks alienating upper-caste voters. The BJP’s alleged attempts to sideline Nitish Kumar could weaken the NDA’s unity, giving the Mahagathbandhan an edge. However, the opposition must ensure cohesive seat-sharing to maximize its chances of success.
Opposition Reactions
The BJP and Janata Dal (United) have downplayed the Mahagathbandhan’s announcement. A BJP spokesperson called Yadav’s promises “hollow” and accused him of misleading voters. Jan Suraj founder Prashant Kishor challenged Congress to contest elections independently, stating, “Congress has no standing in Bihar without RJD’s support.” The NDA has reaffirmed Nitish Kumar as its CM candidate, with sources indicating a strategic seat-sharing plan to counter the Mahagathbandhan. Chirag Paswan, leader of Lok Janshakti Party, expressed his CM ambitions but faced resistance from both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan.
Public Impact
The confirmation of Tejashwi Yadav as the CM candidate in Bihar boosts Mahagathbandhan’s appeal among Bihar’s youth and OBC communities. His promise to transform Bihar in 20 months addresses voter concerns about unemployment and migration. However, the voter list revision controversy has raised fears of disenfranchisement among Dalits and minorities, potentially affecting turnout. The Mahagathbandhan’s focus on education and healthcare could resonate with rural voters, but urban areas may lean toward the NDA’s development narrative. The election outcome will shape Bihar’s policies on jobs, infrastructure, and social welfare, directly impacting the public.
Conclusion
Kanhaiya Kumar’s endorsement of Tejashwi Yadav as the Mahagathbandhan’s CM candidate clarifies the alliance’s leadership and sets the stage for a fierce battle in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. The RJD-Congress alliance is banking on youth and OBC support, leveraging issues like unemployment and healthcare. While the NDA remains a formidable opponent, internal tensions and voter concerns could tilt the scales. The coming months will see intensified campaigning, with seat-sharing and manifesto details shaping Mahagathbandhan’s Bihar election strategy. Voters await a clear vision for Bihar’s future.
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