The Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) faced complete electoral wipeout in the Bihar Assembly Election 2025, with party founder Mukesh Sahani announcing on Friday that his organization would undertake a thorough review of its performance after failing to secure any of the 12 seats it contested.
Complete Shutout for INDIA Bloc Ally
The VIP, part of the opposition INDIA alliance, could not establish a lead in any constituency it fought, contributing to what Sahani described as a "dismal performance" by the Mahagathbandhan in this electoral cycle. The party's defeat was particularly significant given that Sahani had been projected as a potential Deputy Chief Minister candidate had the INDIA bloc emerged victorious.
"There is no problem right now. Those who won deserve the congratulations. We will review everything in the coming days and return to the people. One day, the public will open our account," Sahani told PTI in a candid interview following the election results.
Cash Transfer Scheme Proved Decisive
The VIP leader pinpointed the NDA's aggressive financial outreach to women voters as the primary factor behind his party's comprehensive defeat. He specifically referenced the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana (MMRY) announced by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on August 29 as the game-changing initiative that swayed voter sentiment.
"Voters did not connect with our message. They trusted Nitish ji and Modi ji, and I congratulate both of them," Sahani acknowledged, demonstrating political grace in defeat.
The scheme promises women ₹10,000 initially with a total assistance of ₹2.10 lakh each to establish small enterprises including stores, dairies, tailoring units, beauty parlours, or art-and-craft ventures.
Government Resources as Campaign Lever
Sahani characterized the NDA's approach as "a clear case of the government using state money as a campaign lever." He drew a sharp distinction between traditional vote-buying practices and what he witnessed in this election.
"Our mothers and sisters who live in poverty felt that the money would change their lives. Naturally, they voted for that promise," he explained, highlighting the practical considerations that influenced voter behavior.
The VIP founder described a significant evolution in electoral strategy, noting that while dominant caste groups once distributed black money covertly during nighttime hours, "now the government itself was doing it legally" through official channels in broad daylight.
Reflecting on his party's failure to win any seats, Sahani philosophically remarked, "The account was not mine to open. It was for the people to open, and they didn't. That's all."
Meanwhile, the NDA coalition is heading toward a landmark victory in Bihar, currently leading in more than 200 seats according to the latest data from the Election Commission of India.
