Despite having no MLAs, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani is one of the most sought after leaders in Bihar for his influence among the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs).

Championing the cause of the Nishad caste group, the party projects itself to have considerable influence among the boatmen and fishermen communities that live in the riverine belts of North Bihar. According to the 2023 caste survey, Nishads comprise approximately 9.6% of the state’s population, while the Mallah sub-caste, to which Sahani belongs, has a 2.6% share of the total population. In a closely contested election, the Nishad votes could prove to be decisive in regions such as Muzaffarpur, East Champaran, Madhubani, Khagaria, Vaishali, and certain other North Bihar districts.

Sahani speaks to The I

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