Patna: As Bihar gears up for the 2025 Assembly elections, the shadow of the state’s strongman politics looms large, even as many of the original leaders face legal hurdles. The recent arrest of Anant Singh in connection with the Dularchand murder case in Mokama has reignited debates about the enduring influence of criminal-politician families in the state.
Once a hallmark of Bihar’s political landscape in the 1990s, the “strongman” model—rooted in caste, regional influence, and criminal connections—has now entered its fourth generation. According to a recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), 47% of candidates in the upcoming elections face criminal charges, including 27% accused of serious crimes such as murder, extortion, and intimidation.
Both the ruling Janata Dal (United) and opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have handed tickets to these figures and their heirs: RJD has given nine tickets, JD(U) seven, BJP four, and LJP(R) two. Analysts note that family legacy often outweighs legal concerns or development records in determining electoral strategy.
Heirs and Families Take Centre Stage
In several constituencies, the children or spouses of jailed or barred strongmen have emerged as candidates, continuing their family’s political dominance.
- Munna Shukla Family, Lalganj (RJD): Munna Shukla, convicted in the Brijbihari Prasad murder case, remains in Bhagalpur jail. His daughter, Shivani Shukla, 28, with an LLM from the University of Leeds, is contesting the seat, leveraging her hold on the Bhumihar vote bank. Shivani recently received a death threat, highlighting the volatile nature of Bihar politics.
- Taslimuddin Family, Jokihat: Mohammad Taslimuddin’s sons, Shahnawaz Alam (RJD) and Sarfaraz Alam (Jan Suraj), are contesting against each other. The fraternal contest in this Muslim-majority Seemanchal district has drawn attention to internal family rivalries influencing local elections.
- Suraj Bhan Singh Family, Mokama (RJD): With Suraj Bhan Singh barred from contesting due to a murder conviction, his wife Veena Devi is standing from Mokama, facing Anant Singh of the JDU in a rivalry dating back decades.
- Osama Shahabuddin, Raghunathpur (RJD): Osama, son of notorious strongman Mohammad Shahabuddin, is contesting from Siwan, himself facing five criminal cases. His candidacy reinforces the RJD’s hold over the Muslim-Yadav vote bank in the region.
The Strongmen Themselves
Some seasoned politicians continue to contest directly:
- Anant Singh, Mokama, JD(U): Facing more than 28 criminal cases, Singh was jailed under the UAPA in 2019. He has declared assets of Rs 37.88 crore and remains a key contender against Veena Devi.
- Dhumal Singh, Ekma, JD(U): Known for his local influence, Singh has no criminal cases and declared assets worth Rs 3.27 crore.
- Raju Tiwari, Govindganj (LJP): The LJP state president contests again, relying on his strongman image and party support.
- Ritlal Yadav and Pappu Pandey: Ritlal Yadav (RJD, Danapur) contests from jail, facing over 30 cases, while Amarendra Kumar Pandey (JDU, Kuchaikot) faces 14 cases.
Power Over Development
Experts note that the persistence of strongman families underscores the continued dominance of caste-based voting and local influence. The elections reflect a trend where political legacy and winnability outweigh criminal records or governance credentials.
The people of Bihar will ultimately decide whether family-backed power structures or development-oriented leadership will shape the state’s future when votes are counted on 10 November.
