Bihar’s assembly elections in November 2025 are shaping up to be a significant battle, characterized by the prominent presence of around 22 political dynasties and figures with criminal backgrounds. These influential families, including current lawmakers, ex-MLAs, and their relatives, are vying for seats across multiple constituencies. The RJD is fielding nine such families, JD(U) seven, BJP four, and LJP(R) two.
The Mokama constituency is set for a dramatic rematch, with Anant Singh returning to contest for JD(U) after being cleared of illegal weapons charges. His wife had previously secured the seat in a by-election. Singh, a veteran of this constituency with a history of wins under various banners, faces Veena Devi, wife of Surajbhan Singh, who is running on an RJD ticket. This contest highlights the entrenched power of local families.
In Aurangabad, the Anand Mohan family continues its political strategy. After his release, Anand Mohan’s wife Lovely Anand successfully entered the Lok Sabha. Now, his elder son, Chetan Anand, a former RJD member now with JD(U), is contesting from Nabinagar.
Ekma in Saran sees Dhuman Singh making a comeback for JD(U), following his wife’s previous electoral attempt. Singh has a strong connection to the constituency and is aligned with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The Pandey family remains a force in Tarari, Bhojpur. Sunil Pandey’s son, Vishal Prashant, won a recent by-election, while Sunil’s brother, Hulas Pandey, is contesting on an LJP(R) ticket.
Warisaliganj in Nawada is the stage for a direct confrontation between the families of Akhilesh Sardar and Ashok Mahato. Aruna Devi, a BJP legislator, faces Anita Devi, wife of Ashok Mahato, who is running on an RJD ticket.
Gopalganj’s Kuchaikot is a stronghold for JD(U)’s Amarendra ‘Pappu’ Pandey, a six-time MLA. Raghunathpur is witnessing the political debut of Osama Shahab, son of the late former MP Shihabuddin, under the RJD banner.
Bhojpur’s Sandesh seat features a contest between two individuals with past ties to the sand mafia: Deepu Ranawat of RJD, son of ex-MLA Arun Yadav, and Radha Charan Sah of JD(U). The RJD has maintained dominance here for a decade.
Lalganj’s RJD candidate is Shivani Shukla, daughter of jailed leader Munna Shukla. Danapur’s RJD ticket has gone to Riet Lal Yadav, currently incarcerated. In Nawada, Vibha Devi, wife of the acquitted Rajballabh Yadav, has shifted her allegiance to JD(U) from RJD.
The elections also reflect the continuation of political legacies from families of slain leaders, such as Ashok Singh, in Gopalganj and Saran. These powerful families underscore the deep-seated influence of dynastic politics and ‘strongmen’ in Bihar’s electoral landscape.
