In Bihar's Siwan district, the shadow of late strongman Mohammad Shahabuddin continues to influence the assembly elections, even years after his death in 2021. His son, 31-year-old Osama Shahab, is contesting from Raghunathpur constituency on a Rashtriya Janata Dal ticket, attempting to revive a political legacy that ended with his father's multiple criminal convictions. Shahabuddin, a four-time MP who dominated Siwan politics from 1996 to 2004, was convicted in 2008 for serious crimes including kidnapping and murder. His most notorious conviction came in 2015 for the double murder of two brothers in 2004, who were drenched in acid and whose bodies were never recovered. Despite this dark history, his name still resonates with certain sections of voters, particularly youth who view him through the lens of legend rather than lived experience. The constituency's complex demographic mix of Yadavs, Muslims, Dalits, Rajputs and Extremely Backward Classes makes it strategically important for the opposition party. While some remember Shahabuddin's era as one of fear and violence, others recall a time when he established educational institutions and maintained a certain order. The 2025 polls test whether nostalgia for Shahabuddin's name can translate into electoral success for his quiet, educated son in a changed political landscape.
Mixed Reactions Across Generations in Siwan
Voter sentiment about the Shahabuddin legacy remains deeply divided along generational and community lines. Young voters like 23-year-old Ravi Sharma from the Barhaee caste support Osama, believing his education and youth will address modern problems. He dismisses concerns about his father's crimes, saying those days cannot return. Similarly, 25-year-old Mannu Matlabi defends Shahabuddin's contributions to the region, pointing out that violence continues even without him. Migrant workers express hope that Osama might bring development, noting that Shahabuddin's name is recognized even outside Bihar. However, older residents remember the fear that gripped Siwan during Shahabuddin's reign. Newspaper vendor Lal Singh Karn recalls being scared to speak loudly at home and witnessing daylight robberies. While he admits doctors charged less and officials avoided bribes then, electrician Vinod Kumar Patel refuses to return to those days, citing harassment by party workers. This generational divide shapes campaign reception across constituencies.
Criminal Convictions That Ended Political Dominance
Shahabuddin's political career collapsed under the weight of convictions in at least half a dozen criminal cases. His most serious conviction came in 2015, when he and three others received life imprisonment for the double murder of brothers Satish and Girish on August 16, 2004. The victims were drenched in acid, and their bodies were never found. The sole witness, their brother Rajiv Roshan, faced threats but refused to back down. He was shot dead on June 16, 2014, just three days before his scheduled court appearance. Shahabuddin's name also surfaced in other high-profile cases, including the 1997 killing of former JNUSU president and CPI(ML) activist Chandrashekhar Prasad. The family of murdered Siwan journalist Rajdev Ranjan publicly named Shahabuddin as responsible. These convictions, particularly the kidnapping and murder case in 2007, led to his incarceration in 2008 and effectively ended his direct political influence, though his reputation continued to impact regional politics.
Electoral Challenge for Quiet Son in Father's Shadow
Osama Shahab's campaign style contrasts sharply with his father's spectacle-driven rallies. The quiet candidate barely waves before being surrounded by young supporters with raised phones in Muslim-dominated areas. Sitting MLA Harishankar Yadav accompanies him, urging crowds to vote for the young man. Yadav retained Raghunathpur in 2020 with a margin of 17,965 votes, helped by a split in NDA votes when Lok Janshakti Party contested independently, polling nearly 50,000 votes. This time, LJP under Chirag Paswan has rejoined NDA and campaigns vigorously, tightening the contest. The reception varies dramatically across communities. While Muslim and Yadav-dominated areas show enthusiasm, Osama receives a lukewarm response in Dalit settlements, where poor local coordination becomes evident. The candidate leaves venues quickly, never lingering long. In Siwan constituency itself, BJP's Health Minister Mangal Pandey faces RJD veteran Awadh Bihari Chaudhary, with Shahabuddin's legacy influencing voter choices across the district's diverse demographic composition.
Source: Link