As Bihar prepares for its assembly elections on November 6 and 11, the political arena is dominated by approximately 22 powerful families, many with deep roots in local power structures and some with criminal histories. These political dynasties, comprising current MLAs, former legislators, and their family members, are contesting across various constituencies. The RJD has nominated nine such families, JD(U) seven, BJP four, and LJP(R) two.
Mokama is a prime example, where Anant Singh, a prominent figure previously convicted for illegal weapons possession, is back in the race for JD(U) after being cleared by the High Court. His wife had previously held the seat. Singh has a strong electoral history in Mokama. This time, he faces Veena Devi, wife of Surajbhan Singh, contesting on an RJD ticket, marking a direct clash between two influential local families.
In Aurangabad, the Anand Mohan family continues its political influence. Following his release, Anand Mohan’s wife secured a Lok Sabha seat. His elder son, Chetan Anand, now with JD(U), is contesting in Nabinagar.
Ekma in Saran sees Dhuman Singh returning to contest for JD(U), building on his past electoral successes and close ties with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The Pandey family maintains its presence in Tarari, Bhojpur. Sunil Pandey’s son, Vishal Prashant, recently won a by-election, while Sunil’s brother, Hulas Pandey, is contesting for LJP(R).
Warisaliganj in Nawada is set for a direct contest between the families of Akhilesh Sardar and Ashok Mahato. Aruna Devi of BJP faces Anita Devi, wife of Ashok Mahato, who is contesting on an RJD ticket.
Gopalganj’s Kuchaikot constituency is the stronghold of six-time JD(U) MLA Amarendra ‘Pappu’ Pandey. Raghunathpur is the political debut ground for Osama Shahab, son of the late former MP Shihabuddin, representing RJD.
Bhojpur’s Sandesh seat is marked by a rivalry between two former sand mafias. RJD has fielded Deepu Ranawat, son of ex-MLA Arun Yadav, against JD(U)’s Radha Charan Sah. This seat has been under RJD’s control for a decade.
Lalganj sees Shivani Shukla, daughter of jailed leader Munna Shukla, contesting for RJD. Danapur’s RJD ticket has been given to Riet Lal Yadav, currently in jail. In Nawada, Vibha Devi, wife of the acquitted Rajballabh Yadav, has switched her party affiliation to JD(U) from RJD.
The elections also feature the continuation of political legacies from families of deceased leaders, such as Ashok Singh, in Gopalganj and Saran. These numerous family-led contests underscore the deep-rooted influence of dynastic politics and local strongmen in Bihar.