Special report on the politics of Bahubalis before Bihar elections 2025. From 1970 to 2000, the rise of independents, Pappu Yadav, Prabhunath Singh to Surajbhan and Munna Shukla. Learn how to become king from kingmaker.
There was a time in the politics of Bihar, when Bahubali leaders only used to work to bring power to others. He used to ensure the victory of the candidates with the strength of gun and fear. But gradually the attraction of politics itself started pulling these musclemen towards itself. The question arose that when they can win others, why not themselves? This thinking started the era of independents in Bihar politics.
1970 to 1990: Golden round of Bahubalis
From the 1970s to 1990, more than two dozen Bahubali won the election in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. Most of them started as an independent candidate. Names like Veer Mahobia, Veer Bahadur Singh, Prabhunath Singh, Surajbhan Singh, Pappu Yadav, Rajan Tiwari and Munna Shukla emerged in this period.
- Veer Mahobia – Bahubali of Vaishali, who won Independents from Jandaha in 1980.
- Veer Bahadur Singh – Notorious Bahubali of Buxar, who won independents in 1980.
- Prabhunath Singh – Emerged from Saran and reached the assembly in 1985 after winning an independent election from Mashark.
1990s: Pappu Yadav’s rise
In the 90s, Pappu Yadav’s fear was seen as soon as the names of Kosi and Seemanchal came. At the age of 23, he started his political innings by winning an independent election from Sinheshwar. In a very short time, he established parallel power and showed his strength everywhere from Ragda elections to the House.
Independent musclemen in 2000 boom
The 2000 assembly elections brought many musclemen directly into the mainstream.
- Surajbhan Singh – Mokama came into the limelight after defeating Rabri government minister Dilip Singh.
- Munna Shukla-took the legacy of Chhotan Shukla and won independents from Vaishali-Muzaffarpur.
- Rajan Tiwari – defeated veteran Bhupendra Nath Dubey from Govindganj.
Bahubalis dominated Parliament and Legislative Council
Not only the Assembly, the Bahubalis won independents in the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Council.
- Kali Pandey – Independent MP from Gopalganj was elected in 1980.
- Ritlal Yadav – Independent MLC from Danapur in 2015.
Changing journey of musclemen
After winning the independent elections, most of Bahubali leaders joined hands with political parties. Prabhunath Singh lived in both RJD and JDU, Pappu Yadav formed his party, joined Surajbhan Singh LJP. Gradually, these musclemen established themselves not only through fear and strength, but also through ethnic equations and organizational politics.
2025 elections and effects of musclemen
Now that the Bihar assembly elections are 2025 close, the question arises whether the Bahubali factor will be able to show the same effect as before? Today’s voter is related to social media, education and development issues, but in many areas, the Bahubalis still have a hold. Especially on those seats where ethnic equations and local dominance are decisive.