Rajput leaders once dominated the politics of Bihar. The influence of 5 prominent faces like Anand Mohan and Prabhunath Singh continues even today. This community still remains an important balancing force in the politics of the state.
Patna: There was a time in the politics of Bihar when Rajput leaders had the strongest hold on every street, every corridor and every chair of power. Till the Lalu-Rabri era, the power equation of Bihar could not be formed without this community. From the Chief Minister to the district level, these leaders not only had command but also charisma among the public. Times changed, alliances changed, the wind of politics also changed but the impact of these five Rajput faces can still be felt in the politics of Bihar.
‘Sher-e-Bihar’ Anand Mohan Singh
When the name “Sher-e-Bihar” is mentioned in the politics of Bihar, the first person who comes to mind is Anand Mohan Singh. Anand Mohan, who came from socialist ideology, created his own separate political identity in the 1990s. He started with the Samata Party and later formed his own party, Bihar People’s Party. His politics were aggressive, his support base overwhelming, and his speeches fiery. But in 1994 DM G. Krishnaiah’s political graph came to a halt after he was sentenced to life imprisonment in the murder case. Yet, when he emerged from prison in 2023, the crowd that greeted him proved that the “Lion” was still alive. Now before the 2025 assembly elections, Anand Mohan’s noise is loud again.
Prabhunath Singh…Bahubali image and steadfast influence
Prabhunath Singh, also known as the Maharaja of Saran district, is one of the most controversial, yet influential Rajput leaders in Bihar politics. He played his role in Janata Dal, RJD and JDU. There was a time when he was called the “kingmaker” of Chhapra politics. Crowds used to gather at his rallies, and his words echoed even in power. He is currently serving a life sentence in a murder case, but his political influence still continues through his family and supporters. “Prabhunath Singh” still reminds us of that era in Bihar when “muscle power and mass support” used to go together.
Jagdanand Singh, a player expert in discipline, strategy and organization
If we talk about Lalu Yadav’s most trusted associates, then the name of Jagdanand Singh comes on top. This leader coming from Buxar district is not only grassroots but also strategic. As the state president of RJD, he has played an important role in keeping the party organized. His contribution in strengthening Tejashwi Yadav and trying to take the party “beyond dynasticism” is considered huge. He is a calm face in politics, but very strict in decisions. Among the Rajput leaders of Bihar, he is a face who is an example of the journey from “movement to administration”.
Modern face of BJP and ‘technocrat’ leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy
Rajeev Pratap Rudy, resident of Chhapra, is one of those BJP leaders who is known for his education, manners and polished politics. Rudy, who has a reputation ranging from pilot to professor, became a minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government in 2000 and later took over the Skill Development Ministry in the Modi government. His speech style, English and approach set him apart from other politicians. Even today, he is considered the most “smart Rajput face” of BJP with whom every party wants to establish coordination not only in Delhi but even in Patna.
Political farmer Narendra Singh with bold statements
Narendra Singh’s name is counted among the outspoken and honest leaders in Bihar politics. He worked with both JDU and RJD, but never sycophanted to power. He was also the Agriculture Minister of Bihar and openly attacked the government on the problems of farmers. His son Sumit Singh is now active in politics himself. Narendra Singh was the leader of that era when “caste support” and “personal integrity” went together. His hallmark was “Speak straight, even if someone doesn’t like it.”
When did the Rajputs speak?
From independence until the 1990s, Rajput leaders had a strong hold on power in Bihar. From the state’s first Chief Minister Shri Krishna Singh to Harihar Singh and Chandrashekhar Singh, Rajput leaders held power in Bihar. In the 2020 assembly elections also, 28 Rajput MLAs won, out of which maximum 17 were from BJP. That is, even today this community remains the balancing power of politics.