The political landscape of Bihar is once again buzzing with activity as the state prepares for its 2025 assembly elections. This period is characterized by the resurgence of the ‘bahubali’ phenomenon, where candidates with strong financial backing and a history of intimidation often dominate the electoral scene. This year’s elections are no exception, with numerous such influential figures participating, and their financial declarations offering a glimpse into their power.
In Mokama, JD(U) candidate Anant Singh is a prominent contender with assets valued at Rs 37.88 crore, including an expensive Toyota Land Cruiser and other high-end vehicles. His wife, Neelam Devi, boasts an even larger fortune of Rs 62.72 crore, possessing substantial jewellery and a collection of luxury SUVs. Their combined financial obligations run over Rs 50 crore. Singh faces a considerable number of criminal charges, with 28 cases registered against him, including murder and kidnapping.
RJD candidate Karnveer Singh, also known as Lallu Mukhia from Barh, has declared Rs 17.72 crore in assets, which include licensed weapons and gold. He is implicated in fifteen criminal cases, involving murder, extortion, and abduction.
Other candidates in the fray include Hulasa Pandey of LJP (R) from Buxar, who declares Rs 12.19 crore in assets and has two pending criminal cases. Veena Devi, wife of Surajbhan Singh and an RJD candidate from Mokama, declares Rs 8.67 crore in assets and has no criminal record.
Ritlal Rai, an RJD candidate from Danapur, declares assets totaling Rs 7.71 crore and faces over 30 criminal cases, including murder charges. Amarendra Kumar Pandey of JD(U) from Kuchaykot lists Rs 5.69 crore in assets and fourteen criminal cases related to attempted murder and riots. Manoranjan Singh, known as Dhumal Singh (JDU) from Ekma, declares Rs 3.27 crore in property and is without criminal charges.
Osama Shahab, son of the late Mohammad Shahabuddin, represents the RJD in Siwan with declared assets of Rs 2.31 crore and five criminal cases. Chetan Anand, son of Anand Mohan, is contesting on a JD(U) ticket 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, with her husband having one criminal case. Aruna Devi from BJP in the same constituency has declared Rs 92.57 lakh in assets.
Shivani Shukla, daughter of jailed strongman Munna Shukla, is the RJD candidate from Lalganj, declaring Rs 21.28 lakh in assets and an outstanding student loan. The Bihar elections are a clear indicator of how wealth, influence, and criminal backgrounds are intertwined in the pursuit of political power.