The upcoming 2025 Bihar assembly elections are shaping up to be a significant contest, with the state’s prominent ‘bahubali’ (strongman) candidates once again vying for power. These individuals, known for their influence derived from wealth and intimidation, are a recurring feature in Bihar’s political narrative. This election cycle sees many of them actively participating, their financial disclosures serving as a measure of their political clout.
Anant Singh, a JD(U) candidate from Mokama, exemplifies this trend with declared assets of Rs 37.88 crore, including a high-value Toyota Land Cruiser. His wife, Neelam Devi, is even wealthier, with assets totaling Rs 62.72 crore, boasting a substantial jewellery collection and multiple luxury vehicles. The couple’s financial obligations exceed Rs 50 crore. Singh himself is facing 28 criminal cases, spanning from murder to illegal arms possession.
RJD candidate Karnveer Singh, or Lallu Mukhia from Barh, has declared Rs 17.72 crore in assets, including licensed weapons and significant gold reserves. He is entangled in fifteen criminal cases, including murder and extortion charges.
Other candidates making headlines include Hulasa Pandey of LJP (R) from Buxar, who declares Rs 12.19 crore in assets and faces two criminal cases. Veena Devi, an RJD candidate from Mokama and wife of Surajbhan Singh, declares Rs 8.67 crore in assets and is notable for having no criminal history.
Ritlal Rai of RJD from Danapur reports Rs 7.71 crore in assets and over 30 criminal cases, including murder and extortion. Amarendra Kumar Pandey (JD(U)) from Kuchaykot has declared Rs 5.69 crore in assets and fourteen criminal cases, involving attempted murder and riots. Manoranjan Singh, alias Dhumal Singh (JDU) from Ekma, declares Rs 3.27 crore in property and has no criminal record.
Osama Shahab, son of the late Mohammad Shahabuddin, is contesting from Siwan for the RJD, holding Rs 2.31 crore in assets and facing five criminal cases. Chetan Anand, son of Anand Mohan, is a JD(U) candidate in Nabinagar with Rs 1.46 crore in assets and two criminal cases. Anita Devi (RJD) from Warisaliganj declares Rs 1.31 crore in assets, her husband having one criminal case. Aruna Devi from BJP in the same seat has declared Rs 92.57 lakh.
Shivani Shukla, daughter of jailed strongman Munna Shukla, is the RJD candidate from Lalganj, declaring Rs 21.28 lakh in assets and a student loan. The strongman factor, characterized by wealth and criminal allegations, continues to be a defining element of Bihar’s political arena in the lead-up to the 2025 elections.