Bihar's political scene is witnessing a notable trend where retired police officers and bureaucrats are entering electoral politics. At least seven former civil servants are contesting the Assembly elections, leveraging their decades of administrative experience, technical expertise, and grassroots knowledge. These candidates represent diverse backgrounds, including seasoned IPS officers from various state cadres and a former Indian Revenue Service official. Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party, contesting its first elections, has actively fielded several of these retired officials. Other parties like the BJP, Congress, and JD-U have also nominated former officers. The trend reflects a shift where individuals from the country's administrative backbone, traditionally seen as symbols of governance continuity, are now stepping into direct political roles. Some bring decorated careers with gallantry awards, UN peacekeeping experience, and reputations as tough crime-fighters. Others come from politically prominent families or have family connections in administration. Their candidacies add a unique dimension to the electoral contest, as they compete against seasoned politicians, incumbents, and even Bhojpuri celebrities. Most constituencies voted in the first phase, with one seat scheduled for the second phase.
Decorated Officers Representing Jan Suraaj
Rakesh Kumar Mishra, a 1986-batch Bihar cadre IPS officer and IIT-BHU gold medallist in civil engineering, is contesting from Darbhanga on a Jan Suraaj ticket. The 64-year-old from Saharsa served over three decades in roles including Bhagalpur ASP during the 1989 riots, ADG of Bihar Police, and senior positions in CRPF, CISF, and ITBP. He earned the President's Police Medal and became a founding member of Jan Suraaj after retirement. Jai Prakash Singh, a 2000-batch Himachal Pradesh cadre IPS officer from Saran district, is another Jan Suraaj candidate contesting from Chapra. The 58-year-old holds a Master's in Police Management and served 23 years, including as ADGP heading Himachal's CID. He took voluntary retirement this July.
Former Officers in BJP and Congress Ranks
Anand Mishra, a 2011-batch Assam-Meghalaya cadre IPS officer, joined the BJP this August and is contesting from Buxar. The 44-year-old from Jigna initially served in West Bengal Civil Service before clearing UPSC. Known as an "encounter specialist" during his SP posting in Assam for actions against insurgents and drug cartels, he earned multiple gallantry awards including the President's Medal. Sujit Kumar Singh, a 2001-batch IRS officer with an MPhil from JNU, took voluntary retirement last month and joined the BJP. The 54-year-old is contesting from Gaura Bauram in Darbhanga. B K Ravi, a 1989-batch Tamil Nadu cadre IPS officer from Saharsa district, joined Congress in late 2023 and is contesting from Rosera.
Incumbents and Independent Contenders
Sunil Kumar, a 1987-batch Bihar cadre IPS officer, is the incumbent MLA from Bhore and a Cabinet Minister in Nitish Kumar's government. The 65-year-old from a politically prominent family served 33 years in Bihar Police, including as Patna SSP. He joined JD-U 29 days after voluntary retirement in July 2020 and won Bhore by 462 votes. Shivdeep Wamanrao Lande, a 2006-batch Bihar cadre IPS officer from Maharashtra, is contesting as an independent from Jamalpur and Araria. The 49-year-old electrical engineer, known as a "supercop" for aggressive anti-crime operations, voluntarily retired in September 2024 and launched the Hindu Sena this April. Except Araria, which votes November 11, all constituencies voted in the first phase.
Source: Link