Political parties in Bihar have justified fielding candidates with criminal cases by using remarkably similar language in mandatory declarations. The Supreme Court in February 2020 directed parties to publish detailed information about candidates facing pending criminal cases, including reasons for their selection. The Election Commission later made it compulsory to share such details on websites, social media, and newspapers. With one day left for campaigning before the first phase, the Bihar Assembly elections have remained largely peaceful except for a clash in Mokama last week. The JD(U) candidate from Mokama, former MLA Anant Singh, has at least 50 cases against him dating back to 1979 and was arrested following the incident that caused one death. Parties across the spectrum have defended their choices using nearly identical reasoning. The JD(U) described candidates as philanthropists with huge fan followings. Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj, which promised a break from old politics, gave the exact same explanation for all 34 candidates with cases, calling each a good social worker. The BJP dismissed cases against all 101 candidates as baseless, while the RJD termed at least 80 of its 143 candidates as very popular and active. The Congress, contesting 61 seats, cited senior leadership and public service records for 40 candidates on its Facebook account.
JD(U) Defends Candidates Despite Serious Charges
The JD(U) has posted details of 25 candidates with pending criminal cases on its website. For Anant Singh from Mokama, the party listed 26 cases including four related to murder, sheltering criminals, criminal conspiracy, threats, kidnappings, thefts, and illegal arms recovery. The party called him a four-time MLA and known philanthropist whom poor people approach during trouble. It justified his selection due to huge fan following and unanimous support from district workers. Similarly, Pipra candidate Rambilash Kamat faces accusations of going house to house, beating people and looting them. The party praised his work on flood relief issues. Belaganj candidate Manorama Devi, a sitting MLA, faces rioting and Arms Act charges with framed charges in two cases. The JD(U) highlighted her articulation of women's empowerment measures. For Chainpur candidate Zama Khan, facing rioting charges, the party noted no cases after 2020.
Jan Suraaj and Opposition Use Identical Justifications
Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party, which promised strong and credible candidates departing from old politics, gave identical reasons for all 34 candidates with criminal cases in a social media post on October 27. Each candidate was identified as a good social worker raising voices for weaker sections for a very long time. The party cited people's demand from their localities as the selection reason. The RJD shared declarations for around 80 of its 143 candidates on its X handle using similar wording. Simri Bakhtiyarpur candidate Yusuf Salahuddin, booked for code of conduct violation during 2019 Lok Sabha elections, was called very active with no better alternative. Nawada candidate Kaushal Yadav, named in eight cases including extortion, was termed politically popular. Dehri candidate Guddu Kumar faces five cases including four of illegal liquor trading, while Motihari candidate Deva Gupta has over 28 cases including obscene act allegations.
BJP and Congress Cite Popularity and Public Service
The BJP dismissed criminal cases against all 101 candidates as baseless or politically motivated. For Siwan candidate Mangal Pandey, named in three cases including rioting and attempt to murder, the party cited selfless social work. Former Union minister Ram Kripal Yadav from Danapur, named in two cases including assault on a public servant, was called the most accessible leader with baseless charges. Sahebganj candidate Raju Kumar Singh faces 10 cases including those under SC/ST Act and Arms Act but was described as a well-known social worker. The Congress, contesting 61 seats in alliance with the RJD, made declarations for 40 candidates on Facebook. For most candidates, the party stated they are senior leaders with good public service track records, support from electorate and party cadre, commitment to party ideals, and understanding of local issues. Kadwa candidate Shakeel Ahmad Khan, named in nine cases including rioting, was called a widely respected two-time MLA.
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