The Bihar Assembly elections showcased a diverse group of politicians, including veterans, newcomers, strongmen, and controversial figures who dominated public discourse during the campaign. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary of the BJP secured a decisive win despite facing allegations about his affidavit and past controversies. Tej Pratap Yadav, elder son of Lalu Prasad, contested independently after being ousted from the RJD and lost from Mahua. Strongman Anant Singh from JD(U) won from Mokama even after his arrest during the campaign. Folk singer Maithili Thakur emerged victorious as one of the youngest BJP candidates from Alinagar. Osama Shahab, son of the late strongman Shahabuddin, won his debut election from Raghunathpur on an RJD ticket. These contests highlighted the complex blend of caste politics, legacy influence, criminal allegations, and fresh faces shaping Bihar's political landscape.
Victories Despite Controversies and Criminal Cases
Samrat Choudhary of the BJP won from Tarapur by more than 45,000 votes after facing allegations from Prashant Kishor about age falsification, a murder case, and educational qualifications. A Koeri leader, Choudhary shifted from RJD to JD(U) before joining BJP in 2017. Anant Singh, a Bhumihar strongman with over 50 criminal cases since 1979, won Mokama by over 30,000 votes for JD(U). Arrested during the campaign, he had been acquitted in 2024 after a 2022 conviction. His wife had held the seat during his imprisonment. Singh's influence in Mokama continues despite multiple jail stints and serious charges including murder and extortion.
New Faces and Political Legacies Tested
Folk singer Maithili Thakur, one of the youngest candidates, won Alinagar for BJP by over 11,000 votes. Known for Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Sufi music, her popularity surged after Ram Temple consecration videos went viral. Osama Shahab, son of late RJD strongman Shahabuddin, won his debut election from Raghunathpur by over 9,000 votes, following reconciliation efforts between Lalu Prasad and the Shahabuddin family in August 2024. Tej Pratap Yadav, expelled from RJD by his father Lalu Prasad, launched Janshakti Janata Dal and finished third in Mahua. He had previously served as minister and won elections in 2015 and 2020 before the family split.
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