Patna: As counting continued in the Bihar Assembly elections, results from several constituencies underscored the enduring influence of strongmen and their families in state politics.
JD(U)’s Anant Singh, contesting from Mokama while in jail, secured a convincing victory by a margin of 28,000 votes. In Kuchaykot, JD(U) candidate Amarendra Pandey extended his party’s hold with another win, while RJD’s Osama Shahabuddin — son of the late don-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin — captured the Raghunathpur seat.
Several other prominent contests have concluded. Randhir Singh triumphed in Manjhi, while RJD’s Anita Devi claimed Warisaliganj — a seat closely watched due to her association with strongman Ashok Mahato, whose wife emerged victorious.
In Danapur, BJP’s Ramkripal Yadav defeated RJD strongman Ritlal Yadav by 29,000 votes, dealing a blow to the party’s efforts to consolidate the seat. BJP candidate Vishal Prashant also maintained a lead in Tarari. Meanwhile, RJD’s Shivani Shukla lost in Lalganj, and LJP(R) candidate Hulas Pandey was defeated in Brahmapur.
Of Bihar’s 243 assembly seats, 15 were contested either by strongmen or their family members. The NDA fielded eight such candidates, while the Grand Alliance put forward seven.
Status of key strongman-linked constituencies:
- Anant Singh, JD(U) wins Mokama by 28,000 votes.
- Ritlal Yadav, RJD a prominent strongman, trails in Danapur.
- Osama Shahabuddin, RJD wins Raghunathpur.
- Amarendra Kumar, JD(U) secures Kuchaikot.
- Shivani Shukla, RJD loses Lalganj in Vaishali.
- Ashok Mahato’s wife wins from Warisaliganj.
