On the final day of election campaigning in Darbhanga, VIP candidate Santosh Sahni from Gaurabauram withdrew his candidacy and extended support to RJD nominee Mohammad Afzal Ali Khan. This unexpected decision was announced by Mukesh Sahni, chief of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) and brother of Santosh Sahni, during a press conference on Tuesday evening. Mukesh Sahni explained that the move was taken keeping in mind the party's organizational interests and social unity, aiming to maintain coalition solidarity. The announcement created significant turmoil in political circles. BJP leader and Bihar government minister Hari Sahni strongly criticized Mukesh Sahni, calling the decision an insult to the Sahni community. He claimed it was driven by personal interests and noted it was unprecedented for a party chief's brother to bow before a rival candidate. Political analysts believe this last-minute shift could completely alter the electoral dynamics in the Gaurabauram constituency.
Political Fallout and Community Response
Hari Sahni, a BJP leader and Bihar minister, sharply attacked Mukesh Sahni over the withdrawal decision. He stated that this move was motivated purely by personal gain and represents a deep insult to the entire Sahni community. Hari Sahni emphasized that this was the first instance where a party president's brother was forced to surrender before another party's candidate, thereby damaging the community's honor and dignity. He expressed that this decision has caused widespread discontent within the society. However, he predicted that the Sahni community, traditionally a strong NDA supporter, would now unite even more firmly behind the NDA alliance. Those who were previously uncertain would now stand solidly with NDA, ultimately benefiting the coalition in the upcoming polls.
Source: Link