Patna, December 23: Bolstering the prospects of RJD-Congress combine-led Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, the conglomeration of six Opposition parties was joined by a new entrant - Mukesh Sahni aka 'Son of Mallah' - on Sunday. The 38-year-old, who represents the backward Nishad (boatmen) community, is likely to contest under the grand alliance aegis from the Muzaffarpur Lok Sabha seat next year.

Sahni was welcomed into the Mahagathbandhan on a day when the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) finalised its seat-sharing pact for Bihar. The latter has decided to field BJP and JD(U) candidates on 17 seats each, whereas, the remaining 6 of the 40 parliamentary constituencies would be contested by ally Lok Janshakti Party (LJP).

Sahni, who shot to prominence in 2015 after organising the Nishad community protests in Muzaffarpur and adjoining regions, had refrained from contesting in the assembly elections.

His sights, however, were set on wresting the Muzaffarpur parliamentary seat in the general elections. Reports claimed that he was also in touch with the Bharatiya Janata Party, whose leader Sanjay Nishad currently represents Muzaffarpur constituency in Lok Sabha.

Inducting Sahni into the grand alliance, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said his inclusion into the Opposition camp has strengthened them to take on the BJP. "Sahni ji is a noted leader among the Nishad community," Tejashwi added.

RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha, another constituent of the Mahagathbandhan, said Sahni is arguably the tallest Nishad community leader in the state. "His work among the Nishad community is well known. All across Bihar, he is known as the 'son of Mallah'," added Kushwaha, who joined the grand alliance on Thursday.

Sahni, considered to be a relative newcomer in state politics, had earlier earned fame as a noted Bollywood set designer. Among projects which he handled included blockbusters Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Devdas.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 23, 2018 05:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).