Patna: The upcoming Bihar Assembly elections have once again highlighted the state’s unique political character — where family ties, rivalries, and dynastic ambitions are colliding head-on. Across several constituencies, relatives, spouses, and even siblings are contesting either against each other or from opposing parties, turning the electoral field into a battleground of legacy and loyalty.
Husband-Wife Duo Swap Parties in Nawada
In Nawada district, political roles have reversed between former rivals Kaushal Yadav and Rajballabh Yadav. Once with the JD(U), Kaushal has now joined the RJD, while Rajballabh, a former RJD MLA, has shifted to JD(U). Interestingly, both their wives are also active in politics.
Rajballabh’s wife, Vibha Devi, is contesting from Nawada on a JD(U) ticket, while Kaushal Yadav’s wife, Purnima Yadav, is the RJD candidate from the nearby Govindpur seat. Both Kaushal and Purnima have previously been elected as MLAs four times each. The couple first entered the Assembly together in 2005 as independents before aligning with Nitish Kumar’s JD(U).
Their recent switch to the RJD came after Kaushal joined hands with Tejashwi Yadav earlier this year. Political observers in Nawada call this husband-wife duo’s candidature on the same party ticket a “rare occurrence in Bihar politics.”
Three Members of One Family in NDA’s Fray
In Jehanabad and Gaya districts, the Arun Kumar family has turned the political landscape into a family affair — with three members contesting from within the NDA alliance.
Former MP Arun Kumar’s son Rituraj Kumar is contesting from Ghosi on a JD(U) ticket, his brother Anil Kumar, a four-time MLA, is HAM’s candidate from Tikari, and his nephew Romit Kumar is contesting from Atari, also on a HAM ticket.
All three belong to the same family and political camp, making it an unusual case of family unity within the NDA. Their political base stretches from Jehanabad to Gaya, the home district of HAM founder and former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi.
Mayor Steps Into the Polls to “Protect” Her Husband
In Motihari, Preeti Kumari, the sitting mayor, has entered the Assembly race as an independent candidate. Her husband, Deva Gupta, is contesting on an RJD ticket. Preeti claims her move is not an act of defiance but one of “protection,” explaining that she filed her nomination to “safeguard” her husband’s prospects amid possible political maneuvering by rivals.
Motihari has been a BJP stronghold for five consecutive terms, and Preeti’s entry has added a dramatic twist to the contest. Interestingly, a recent police operation at the couple’s residence during Diwali — in connection with a murder case — has also stirred discussions in local political circles.
Father vs. Son on Chiraiya Seat
In East Champaran’s Chiraiya Assembly seat, politics has turned into a generational face-off. Former MLA Laxminarayan Yadav is contesting on an RJD ticket, while his son Lalu Prasad Yadav has entered the same contest as an independent candidate.
Laxminarayan, who earlier represented Ghorasahan, has been a two-time MLA and contested multiple elections since the 1990s. His son’s entry marks the first time that a father and son are directly contesting from the same constituency in this election season.
Brothers Battle for Legacy in Jokihat
The political rivalry in Jokihat continues within the family of late MP Taslimuddin. His sons — Sarfaraz Alam and Shahnawaz Alam — are once again pitted against each other.
Shahnawaz, who won the 2020 election on an AIMIM ticket before joining the RJD, has secured the RJD nomination again. His elder brother, Sarfaraz Alam, a former MP and MLA, is contesting on a Jan Suraaj Party ticket.
In 2020, Shahnawaz had defeated Sarfaraz by over 7,000 votes, marking a historic reversal in the family’s political power dynamics. This election could decide who inherits their father’s legacy in the Araria region.
Bihar Election 2025: Family, Power, and Politics Collide
As Bihar inches closer to polling, these family battles underscore the state’s long-standing tradition of dynastic politics — where power, inheritance, and emotion often outweigh ideology. The intertwining of blood and ballots continues to define the political theatre in the heartland of Indian democracy.
