Patna: As Bihar braces for its high-stakes Assembly elections, the spotlight is firmly on the state’s infamous ‘bahubali’ politicians — strongmen whose iron-fisted influence has long defined local power dynamics.
While Mokama’s Anant Kumar Singh, aka ‘Chhote Sarkar’, contests on a JD(U) ticket, several other musclemen and their kin are set to keep the tradition alive, blending crime, clout, and electoral ambition.
RJD’s Ritlal Yadav, known for his unyielding grip, is fighting from Danapur, having won elections even from behind bars. In Purnea, independent firebrand Rajesh Ranjan, or Pappu Yadav, who merged his Jan Adhikar Party with Congress, remains a force after contesting Lok Sabha polls. Awadhesh Mandal, a former Rupouli MLA, stays active, with his wife, Bima Bharti, recently in the fray.
Saras’s Manoranjan Singh, dubbed ‘Dhumal Singh’, eyes Ekma on an LJP ticket, while JD(U)’s Amarinder ‘Pappu Pandey’ targets Kuchikote in Gopalganj.
Power is passing to the next generation too: Sunil Pandey’s son Vishal Prashant (BJP, Buxar), Hulash Pandey’s kin (LJP, Brahmpur), Munna Shukla’s daughter Shivani Shukla (RJD, Vaishali), and the late Shahabuddin’s son Osama Shahab (RJD, Raghunathpur) carry forward legacies marred by jail terms and controversies.
In Aurangabad, Anand Mohan Singh’s son Chetan Anand (JD(U), Nabinagar) and others like Vibha Devi (JD(U), Nawada) and Anita Devi (RJD, Warisaliganj) underscore dynastic dominance. Even convicted leaders like Prabhunath Singh see sons like Randhir Singh (JD(U), Manjhi) in the race.
These bahubalis thrive on caste loyalties and muscle power, turning polls into a battle of legacies. With hot seats buzzing, will voters reward resilience or reject repetition?