Bihar’s powerful leader Ashok Mahato, who was known for caste violence and jail breaks in the 90s, is now in RJD. Recently he was stopped from meeting Tejashwi Yadav. He wants a ticket for his wife.
As Bihar Assembly elections 2025 approach, political turmoil has increased. Meanwhile, the discussion about RJD’s strong leader Ashok Mahato is in the headlines. On Thursday night they reached Rabri residence, but the guard did not let them inside and Ashok Mahato returned empty handed. But the question is, who is Ashok Mahato and why has he remained such a controversial face in Bihar politics?
Bahubali emerged in the 90s
Ashok Mahato’s political journey has been full of controversies. Mahato, a resident of Badhauna village in Nawada district, showed his strength in the Bhumihar areas of Bihar in the 90s. During this period, the fight for supremacy between his and Akhilesh Singh’s gangs gave rise to several murders and caste violence. Ashok Mahato was once considered synonymous with terror in five districts of Bihar including Nawada, Shekhpur, Lakhisarai and Nalanda.
jail break case
In 2001, Ashok Mahato was sentenced to 17 years in jail in the Nawada jail break case. Even while in jail, his name was considered synonymous with fear and strength in Bihar. After his release from jail, he gradually returned to politics.
Political career and RJD
After being released from jail, Ashok Mahato met the RJD leadership and started strengthening his position within the party. Just before the Lok Sabha elections, he married Anita Devi, a resident of Delhi, during Kharmas and after a few days he also came to seek blessings from Lalu Yadav. He wanted his wife Anita Devi to contest elections from Warisaliganj. Anita Devi was made a candidate in the Lok Sabha elections 2024, but she could not win.
From Bahubali to leader
Ashok Mahato’s personality is controversial yet influential. His hold is strong in Warisaliganj area. His political journey has witnessed the game of loyalty, factionalism and image. This time, Ashok Mahato’s role is being considered important in the new equations of the party before the assembly elections.
Why entry was not found in Rabri residence?
On Thursday night, when Ashok Mahato went to Rabri residence to meet Tejashwi Yadav and he was not allowed inside, it is being considered as an indication that activism and public relations are now being given more importance within RJD. Despite the strong face and old influence, the party is distributing tickets under a new strategy. Ashok Mahato is a controversial face in Bihar politics from Bahubali turned leader. From jail break, caste violence and political factionalism to now his wife’s election campaign, his journey has been in the news continuously.