After the Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, many Bahubali leaders have come out of jail after 2024. The return of veterans like Anant Singh and Rajavallabh Yadav is sure to increase political stir in the upcoming assembly elections.
Bahubal and election relationship in Bihar politics is not new. For decades, such leaders have been dominating the electoral fray here, whose identity was made due to the development schemes due to criminal image and muscle power. After the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the picture has once again become clear that the stirring of the assembly elections is going to increase further due to the presence of veterans who have come out of jail.
Big names returned out of jail
At the end of the Lok Sabha elections, many famous Bahubali leaders came out of jail. These include names like Mokama’s Bahubali and former MLA Anant Singh, Nawada’s strongman Rajavallabh Yadav, Sheikhpura-Nawada’s old Dabang Ashok Mahato and former MP Anand Mohan. The return of all these has intensified the political movement. It is believed that out of these, Anant Singh and Rajavallabh Yadav can field directly in the assembly elections.
Anant Singh and Rajavallabh
Anant Singh has been called the “small government” of Mokama politics for a long time. The equation here is set to change after he comes out of jail. At the same time, Rajavallabh Yadav also has a strong foundation in Nawada. Election enthusiasm is visible among the supporters after his release.
Activity of Anand Mohan and Ashok Mahato
Former MP Anand Mohan was released during the Lok Sabha elections. His wife Lovely Anand is already active in the electoral fray. Similarly, Ashok Mahato, who came out of jail in December 2023, contested his wife on a RJD ticket from Munger Lok Sabha seat to keep his influence alive. Now everyone is watching his role in the assembly elections.
Ritlal Yadav also eye
RJD MLA Ritlal Yadav is currently lodged in Bhagalpur Jail. He has several criminal cases registered. Despite this, his area is stronger and the support base of supporters is strong. The question is whether the RJD will make him a candidate living in jail or not. But it is so sure that his supporters would like to see him in the field under any circumstances.
Strategy also behind bars
It has also been a tradition in Bihar politics that some leaders form a strategy for election war even after being inside jail. There is a discussion that RJD MLA Ritlal Yadav can play political games this time in the same manner. He has many criminal cases filed against him, but supporters believe that his grip is so strong that he can win the election even while in jail.
Old tradition, new election
This picture is not unknown to Bihar. During the Emergency in 1977, George was elected MP from Muzaffarpur while living in Fernandes Jail. After this, Mohammad Shahabuddin and many other leaders of Siwan contested and won by living within the prison bars. In 2015, Satdev Ram of CPI (Male) won a stunning victory from Siwan’s Darauli seat.
Effect on assembly elections
This time the entry of Bahubali leaders in the assembly elections can make the contest interesting in many seats. The arrival of these leaders in areas like Mokama, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Hilsa, Ara and Siwan can change the mathematics of caste equation and support. Bahubal, ethnic identity and loyalty of supporters – these three will make the electoral ground more complicated.