The Mahagatbandhan’s decision to project Mallah leader and Vikashsheel Insaan Party (VIP) president Mukesh Sahani as its deputy chief ministerial candidate has drawn a mixed response from the community. The Mallahs, an Extremely Backward Class (EBC) constituting around 2.6% of Bihar’s population according to the latest caste survey, remain divided between the ruling NDA and the Opposition alliance.

Mr. Sahani, who calls himself the “Son of Mallah”, claims he can consolidate the community’s vote. The Mahagatbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), keen to woo EBCs — traditionally loyal to Nitish Kumar — had hoped Mr. Sahani’s nomination would be a game-changer, with its impact trickling beyond the Mallahs. But so far, it has not triggered a significant shift in voter allegiance.

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