In a fresh twist to Bihar’s high-stakes election, Mukesh Sahani’s Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) has announced its support for Shyam Kishor Chaudhary, the candidate fielded by Tej Pratap Yadav’s Janshakti Janta Dal (JJD) in the Sugauli assembly constituency.

The decision comes shortly after the Election Commission of India (ECI) rejected the nomination of VIP’s candidate Shashi Bhushan Singh, a sitting MLA, citing a technical discrepancy. Singh, who had filed his papers as a VIP candidate, is currently an RJD legislator. The rejection drew sharp criticism from the Mahagathbandhan (INDIA bloc), which accused the poll body of creating an unfair advantage for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Sugauli, where voting will take place in the second phase on November 11.

The NDA has nominated Rajesh Kumar alias Bablu Gupta, a leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), for the seat. In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, Shashi Bhushan Singh had emerged victorious from Sugauli, securing 65,267 votes (38.26%), while VIP’s Ramchandra Sahani trailed closely with 61,820 votes (36.24%). Interestingly, the VIP had then contested as part of the NDA.

Announcing the latest alliance move, VIP national spokesperson Dev Jyoti said, “The decision to back Shyam Kishor Chaudhary was taken after detailed discussions with our INDIA bloc allies — the RJD, Congress, and the Left. We are urging our cadres and supporters to ensure his victory, as Chaudhary represents the hope for development and progress in Sugauli.”