Patna: Following the conclusion of voting for both phases of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, focus has shifted to 15 prominent constituencies where strongmen or their relatives are standing for election. The results for all 243 seats will be disclosed on November 14, but these 15 have attracted special attention due to their associations with muscle power, caste considerations, and dynastic politics. Based on on-the-ground insights and a ‘Reporters’ Poll’ derived from discussions with journalists, political analysts, and sociologists, eight of these strongmen are contesting on NDA tickets, while the other eight represent the Mahagathbandhan.
Among the notable contests are Mokama, where Anant Singh is pitted against Veena Devi, the wife of Suraj Bhan Singh; Danapur, where Ritlal Yadav confronts Ramkripal Yadav; and Raghunathpur, where Osama Shahab, the son of the late Shahabuddin, is competing for the RJD. Anant Singh Leads in Mokama The Mokama seat in Patna district, frequently in the spotlight due to the Dularchand Yadav murder case, features Anant Singh (JD(U)) ahead of Veena Devi (RJD). Despite being incarcerated, Singh’s Robin Hood persona and solidified Bhumihar support seem to be aiding his campaign. Close Contest Between Ritlal and Ramkripal in Danapur Ritlal Yadav (RJD) faces Ramkripal Yadav (BJP) in Danapur.
Ritlal’s daughter’s involvement in the campaign has garnered sympathy votes, while Lalu Prasad Yadav’s roadshow has unified Yadav-Muslim support. With 2.75 lakh voters, the seat is observing a competitive race. Amarendra Kumar (Pappu Pandey) Ahead in Kuchaikot Six-time MLA Amarendra Kumar, known as Pappu Pandey (JD(U)), is leading against Harinarayan Singh (Congress). Despite facing 14 criminal charges, Pandey enjoys the backing of loyalists to Nitish Kumar and maintains influence among upper castes, while Harinarayan Singh’s lack of familiarity limits his appeal. Randhir Singh Leads in Manjhi Randhir Singh (JD(U)), the son of strongman Prabhunath Singh, is ahead of Satyendra Yadav (CPM). The Rajput-majority constituency, combined with anti-incumbency sentiments towards the current MLA, appears to favor Randhir.
Hulas Pandey Trails in Brahmapur Hulas Pandey (LJP-R), previously accused in the murder of Ranvir Sena chief Brahmeshwar Mukhiya, is trailing behind Shambhu Nath Yadav (RJD). The Yadav-Muslim-Dalit coalition, making up approximately 40% of the electorate, is favoring the RJD, while Hulas struggles to gain upper-caste backing. Shrikant Yadav Leads in Ekma Shrikant Yadav (RJD), who bested JD(U)’s candidate in 2020, is again leading against Manoranjan Singh Dhumal (JD(U)), who has over 150 criminal cases. Yadav’s strong support from Yadav, Muslim, and Dalit voters is proving pivotal. Bima Bharti Maintains Edge in Rupauli Veteran leader Bima Bharti (RJD) is ahead in her ongoing rivalry with Shankar Singh (Independent).
With support from Gangota, Muslim, and Yadav voters forming her stronghold, Bharti appears poised to continue her dominance in Rupauli. Prashant Vishal Ahead in Tarari Prashant Vishal (BJP), son of former strongman Sunil Pandey, is maintaining a lead over Madan Chandravanshi (CPI-ML). Local initiatives valued at ₹900 crore and consolidated upper-caste votes have helped Vishal sustain his standing in the Bhumihar-led Tarari seat. Osama Shahab Leads in Raghunathpur RJD’s Osama Shahab, son of the late Shahabuddin, leads against Vikas Kumar Singh (JD(U)). Despite facing criticism from top BJP figures during the campaign, Osama has gained from a sympathy surge and a united Muslim-Yadav coalition.
Vibha Devi Trails in Nawada The contest in Nawada between two political families — Vibha Devi (JD(U)) and Kaushal Yadav (RJD) — is favoring Kaushal. A fragmented Bhumihar vote due to an independent candidate and strong rural backing for the RJD are influencing the outcome. Chetan Anand Leads in Nabinagar Chetan Anand (JD(U)), son of Anand Mohan, is leading against Amod Chandravanshi (RJD). His Rajput identity and support from his mother, MP Lovely Anand, have bolstered his campaign, while internal dissent has largely diminished. Anita Devi Ahead in Warisliganj Anita Devi (RJD), the spouse of strongman Ashok Mahto, is ahead of Aruna Devi (BJP).
Anti-incumbency against Aruna and the last-minute withdrawal of the Congress candidate have aided Anita in consolidating backward caste support. Shivani Shukla Trails in Lalganj Shivani Shukla (RJD), daughter of Munna Shukla, is falling behind Sanjay Singh (BJP). Singh’s record of development and a united Rajput-Koeri-EBC vote bank are keeping him in the lead. Shivani is hindered by a divided Bhumihar vote. Shahnawaz Alam Leads in Jokihat Shahnawaz Alam (RJD), son of Taslimuddin, is leading against his brother Sarfaraz Alam (Jan Suraaj). The split votes between AIMIM and JD(U) are working to Shahnawaz’s advantage in this familial contest. Karanveer Singh Trails in Barh In Barh, BJP’s Dr. Siyaram Singh is ahead of Karanveer Singh, also known as Lallu Mukhiya (RJD).
The constituency’s Rajput majority and Karanveer’s unfavorable local reputation have shifted the balance towards the NDA. Political Legacy Meets New Voter Dynamics With Bihar achieving its highest-ever voter turnout of 67%, caste dynamics and family legacies remain critical in several constituencies. However, experts indicate that a new trend — influenced by female voters, welfare initiatives, and rural development — is slowly reshaping traditional strongman territories.
