The opposition INDIA bloc on Thursday declared RJD leader and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate for the Bihar elections 2025, scheduled to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, reported news agency ANI.

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, addressing a press conference attended by all coalition partners, said the decision was backed by Congress de facto leader Rahul Gandhi and national president Mallikarjun Kharge. “Tejashwi Yadav is young, has a long future, and the public will support him,” Gehlot said.