The trend of strongmen contesting elections remains prominent. Some are directly fielded, while others are close associates fighting on their behalf. The contest has evolved into not just a battle between political parties but also a fight for legacy, influence, and authority.
Key Constituencies and Candidate Dynamics
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Mokama: Anant Singh (JDU) vs. Veena Devi (RJD). Mokama politics has traditionally revolved around strongmen. Anant Singh, known as the “Chhote Sarkar,” has won five consecutive terms. After serving time in 2022 in an AK-47 case, his wife contested and won a by-election. Singh has now been released on bail, and JDU has reinstated him. Veena Devi remains popular locally, setting the stage for a strongman vs. strongman battle.
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Nawagarh: Chetan Anand, son of Rajput strongman Anand Mohan, is contesting on a JDU ticket. Anand Mohan served 15 years in jail for the murder of Gopalganj Collector G.K. Reddy and is now politically active.
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Ekma (Saran): Dhuman Singh, also known as Manoranjan Singh, is contesting from JDU. His wife Sita Devi lost the seat in 2020. Singh is a well-known strongman with close ties to CM Nitish Kumar.
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Bhojpur District: The Pande family dominates, with Sunil Pande’s son Prashant running on a BJP ticket from Tarari, and his brother Hulas Pande contesting from Brahmpur on an LJP (R) ticket.
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Warisaliganj: RJD has fielded Anita Kumari, wife of strongman Ashok Mahto, against BJP’s Arun Devi, wife of strongman Akhilesh Singh.
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Kuchaiakot: Amrendra Kumar “Pappu Pandey,” a strongman MLA, faces Mahagathbandhan newcomer and Dubai-based industrialist Harinarayan Singh Kushwaha.
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Raghunathpur: RJD has fielded Osama Shahab, son of strongman Shahabuddin, marking his electoral debut.
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Sandesh (Bhojpur): A tense contest between two sand mafia-affiliated candidates—Dipoo Ranawat (RJD) vs. Radha Charan Sah (JDU).
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Other Key Seats: Lalganj sees Shivani Shukla, daughter of strongman Munna Shukla, contesting. Strongman influence is also evident in Nawada, Danapur, Muzaffarpur-Baniapur, and other constituencies.
Across Bihar, strongmen and political families continue to dominate the electoral landscape. From political clout and caste equations to dynastic influence, these candidates are shaping an intensely competitive and complex election, where personal power and reputation are as critical as party affiliation.
