In a shocking turn of events, Amit Kumar, widely known as Baccha Rai, the main accused in the 2016 Bihar Board toppers scam, has joined the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) party, led by Asaduddin Owaisi. Rai, who became infamous for his involvement in the scandal that tarnished the credibility of the Bihar Board exams, has declared himself as the party’s candidate for the Mahua Assembly seat in Bihar. Baccha Rai’s decision to join AIMIM and run for office has stirred political discussions in the state, especially with the highly contested nature of the Mahua constituency.
Rai’s recent meeting with Owaisi during the latter’s visit to Bihar’s Seemanchal region has sparked much debate. Baccha Rai claims that Asaduddin Owaisi will hold a public rally in Mahua on October 6. Mahua has become one of the most talked-about constituencies in the upcoming elections, where Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, has openly challenged the sitting MLA, Mukesh Roshan of the RJD. The growing political intensity surrounding the Mahua seat has made it a focal point in Bihar’s political landscape.
Background of the Bihar Board Toppers Scandal: Baccha Rai’s Role
The Bihar Board toppers scandal, which rocked the education system in 2016, involved several students who were awarded the title of top scorers despite having poor knowledge in their respective subjects. Baccha Rai, who was the secretary and principal of VR College in Vaishali district, played a crucial role in the scam. The controversy gained nationwide attention when Ruby Rai, the arts topper, made a glaring mistake during an interview by calling Political Science “Prodigal Science” and gave incorrect answers to basic questions related to her subject.
Similarly, Saurabh Shrestha, the science topper, failed to correctly answer a simple question about the chemical formula of water during his interview. These incidents raised eyebrows and triggered investigations into the authenticity of the topper list. Both Ruby Rai and Saurabh Shrestha were students of VR College, where Baccha Rai served as a key figure. The scandal led to further scrutiny, and the Board conducted re-examinations of the students. While some students performed well, others revealed that they had not even written their own exams. Ruby Rai and several others were arrested for their involvement in the scam.
Baccha Rai’s Role as the Mastermind and Subsequent Arrest
Baccha Rai was identified as the mastermind behind the entire topper scam. As investigations progressed, his role in orchestrating the fraudulent activities became more evident. He eventually surrendered to the court, and after spending some time in jail, he was granted bail. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also launched an investigation into Baccha Rai’s illegal activities and conducted raids at his properties. The ED seized nearly Rs 3 crore in cash from various locations linked to Baccha Rai.
In 2018, the ED took action by confiscating several properties owned by Baccha Rai, including land that was allegedly being used for unauthorized construction activities. The agency filed a separate FIR against him for the illegal construction, further tightening the noose around Baccha Rai’s criminal activities. The raid on Baccha Rai’s properties unveiled his extensive involvement in money laundering and other illicit financial activities, leading to his increased notoriety.
Baccha Rai’s Shift to Politics: Joining AIMIM
In a surprising turn of events, Baccha Rai has decided to enter the world of politics, aligning himself with AIMIM, the party led by Asaduddin Owaisi. His decision to join a political party and announce his candidacy for the Mahua Assembly seat has raised several questions. Many are perplexed by how someone with such a tainted background could seek a political platform, but Rai seems confident in his political ambitions. His alignment with AIMIM marks a shift in his approach, from being embroiled in educational corruption to becoming a player in Bihar’s political scene.
Amit Kumar’s entry into AIMIM has created a stir in the political circles of Bihar. AIMIM, a relatively new player in the state’s political landscape, is making its move to establish a foothold in Bihar. Baccha Rai’s candidacy, particularly in Mahua, has further fueled discussions, as the constituency is already witnessing a significant battle for power between major political players.
The Mahua Constituency: A Political Battleground
Mahua has turned into one of the hottest seats in the upcoming elections. The constituency is seeing a fierce contest between the incumbent MLA, Mukesh Roshan of the RJD, and Tej Pratap Yadav, who is the elder son of former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. With the growing political tensions, Mahua has become a crucial battleground in Bihar’s electoral landscape. Baccha Rai’s decision to contest from this seat adds another layer of complexity to an already intense competition.
Baccha Rai’s entry into the race is seen as an attempt to garner support from certain sections of the population, especially those dissatisfied with the established political parties in the region. His alliance with AIMIM also brings a fresh perspective to the political discourse, as the party has been trying to increase its influence in Bihar’s political arena.
Public Reaction and Criticism: Baccha Rai’s Political Debut
The decision of Baccha Rai to contest elections and align with AIMIM has received mixed reactions from the public and political analysts. Critics have questioned the morality of allowing someone with such a criminal background to contest elections. The Bihar Board toppers scam left an indelible mark on the state’s education system, and Baccha Rai’s role in the scandal continues to haunt him. His association with AIMIM, a party that has been gaining momentum in Bihar, may have raised eyebrows among political observers.
On the other hand, Baccha Rai’s supporters argue that everyone deserves a second chance and that he has the right to participate in politics like any other individual. They believe that his candidacy might provide a platform for addressing the issues faced by his constituency, especially in the field of education and corruption. His entry into politics has also sparked discussions about the increasing influence of AIMIM in Bihar, which has traditionally been dominated by larger regional parties like RJD, JD(U), and BJP.
Bihar’s Political Landscape: AIMIM’s Growing Influence
AIMIM’s decision to field Baccha Rai as its candidate reflects the party’s growing ambitions to expand its base in Bihar. AIMIM, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has been gradually making inroads into the state’s political landscape, particularly in the Seemanchal region, which has a significant Muslim population. Owaisi’s leadership and the party’s strategies have caught the attention of political analysts, and Baccha Rai’s candidacy could be a part of AIMIM’s larger plan to increase its political influence in Bihar.
While AIMIM’s influence is still relatively limited in Bihar, Baccha Rai’s decision to join the party could signal a new chapter for the party in the state’s politics. His candidacy in Mahua could also be an attempt to challenge the existing political establishment and offer voters an alternative choice. The coming days will reveal whether Baccha Rai’s political debut will succeed or if his past controversies will overshadow his ambitions.
As the election season heats up in Bihar, all eyes are now on Baccha Rai and his campaign for the Mahua Assembly seat. His entry into the political arena has sparked both curiosity and concern. Will he be able to secure the support of the voters, or will his past criminal activities and involvement in the toppers scam overshadow his political ambitions? Only time will tell.
The political future of Baccha Rai, along with AIMIM’s growth in Bihar, remains uncertain. While some view his candidacy as a bold move towards political change, others remain skeptical of his ability to build a strong political base, given his controversial past. Regardless of the outcome, Baccha Rai’s political debut is sure to be one of the most talked-about events in the Bihar Assembly elections.
As Bihar’s political landscape continues to evolve, the involvement of figures like Baccha Rai will undoubtedly shape the future of the state’s electoral battles. The next few weeks will be crucial for understanding how his campaign unfolds and how it impacts the broader political dynamics of Bihar.
