PATNA, Oct. 19 -- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi emerged as the key mediator in finalizing Bihar's Grand Alliance seat-sharing pact, personally convincing Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahni to settle for 15 seats ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections. This pivotal intervention was revealed by CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya during a session at Hindustan Samagam, highlighting Gandhi's role in bridging divides within the opposition coalition. Bhattacharya recounted the tense negotiations, noting his own efforts to persuade Sahni by reminding him of past betrayals after his 2020 defection to the NDA. "You are fighting for the protection of democracy and the Constitution. You were with us in the Voter Rights Yatra and Lok Sabha elections. So, what happened to you should not be forgotten," Bhattacharya told Sahni, urging unity over the disputed 2-4 seats. Sahni then wrote a letter to Gandhi, who responded with a direct call. "After that conversation, Sahni agreed to 15 seats," Bhattacharya confirmed. The deal allocates 20 seats to CPI (ML) - up from 19 in 2020 - reflecting the expanded Mahagathbandhan, which now includes RJD, Congress, three Left parties, VIP and the Indian Inclusive Party (led by IP Gupta). This marks a shift from the slimmer five-party alliance last time, with delays attributed to accommodating new partners. Bhattacharya described it as a "necessary compromise in a larger battle for democracy," emphasising the coalition's aim to consolidate votes against the BJP-led NDA. Exuding confidence in resolving intra-alliance tensions, Bhattacharya predicted that "friendly fights" on eight overlapping seats with RJD, Congress and Left parties would turn favourable post the nomination withdrawal deadline for the first phase. "We hope the other allied parties will also do the same," he added, signaling a coordinated push. In Bihar's high-stakes electoral landscape-where the NDA has held power since 2005 under Nitish Kumar-the accord strengthens the opposition's arithmetic. With over 7 crore voters and polls due by November, it targets anti-incumbency among Yadavs, Muslims, Dalits, EBCs and Nishad communities. B hattacharya framed the unity as a bulwark against national threats to the Constitution, countering BJP leaders' claims of ending regional parties' relevance. As nominations approach, the Mahagathbandhan eyes a unified front, with candidate lists set to follow. This breakthrough, Gandhi's diplomacy at its core, positions the alliance for a fierce challenge to the incumbent regime. Bihar will go to vote in two phases on November 6 and 11 to form a new 243-seat assembly, amid heightened political activity. The counting of votes will be held on November 14 across the state....