The upcoming Bihar Assembly elections have once again brought to the forefront the state’s unique political dynamics, where family ties, rivalries, and dynastic ambitions are at the center of electoral battles. In several constituencies, relatives, spouses, and even siblings are contesting elections either against each other or from opposing parties, turning the elections into a battleground of legacy, loyalty, and power.
Political Rivals Swap Parties in Nawada
In Nawada district, a dramatic shift has occurred between two political figures, Kaushal Yadav and Rajballabh Yadav. Once political rivals, Kaushal Yadav, formerly with the JD(U), has now joined the RJD. Meanwhile, Rajballabh Yadav, a former RJD MLA, has switched sides and joined JD(U). Adding another layer to this complex political scenario, both their wives are also active in politics.
Rajballabh’s wife, Vibha Devi, is contesting the election from Nawada on a JD(U) ticket, while Kaushal Yadav’s wife, Purnima Yadav, is running as the RJD candidate from the nearby Govindpur seat. Both Kaushal and Purnima have been elected as MLAs four times each. Their political journey began in 2005 when they entered the Assembly as independents before aligning with Nitish Kumar’s JD(U).
Their recent shift to RJD is part of a broader political realignment, with Kaushal Yadav joining forces with Tejashwi Yadav earlier this year. Political analysts in Nawada are calling this husband-wife duo’s candidacy on different party tickets a “rare occurrence in Bihar politics.”
A Family Affair in the NDA: Three Members Competing
In Jehanabad and Gaya districts, the Arun Kumar family has turned the political race into a family affair with three members contesting within the NDA alliance. Former MP Arun Kumar’s son, Rituraj Kumar, is contesting from Ghosi on a JD(U) ticket. His brother, Anil Kumar, a four-time MLA, is the HAM candidate from Tikari, while his nephew, Romit Kumar, is contesting from Atari, also on a HAM ticket.
All three members belong to the same family and political camp, making this a rare example of family unity within the NDA. Their political base spans across Jehanabad and Gaya, the home district of HAM founder and former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi, adding another layer of complexity to the family’s political dynamics.
A Mayor’s Entry in Motihari: Protecting Her Husband’s Political Future
In Motihari, Preeti Kumari, the sitting mayor, has entered the Assembly race as an independent candidate. Her husband, Deva Gupta, is contesting on an RJD ticket. Preeti has clarified that her entry into the election is not an act of defiance but a measure to “protect” her husband’s prospects amidst political maneuvering by rivals.
Motihari has been a BJP stronghold for five consecutive terms, and Preeti’s candidacy adds a dramatic twist to the contest. A recent police operation at their residence during Diwali, connected to a murder case, has further stirred discussions in local political circles, adding fuel to the fire.
Father and Son Competing for the Chiraiya Seat
In East Champaran’s Chiraiya Assembly seat, the upcoming election has turned into a generational political battle. Former MLA Laxminarayan Yadav is contesting on an RJD ticket, while his son, Lalu Prasad Yadav, is contesting as an independent candidate.
Laxminarayan, who previously represented Ghorasahan, has been a two-time MLA and has contested multiple elections since the 1990s. His son’s entry marks the first time in this election season that a father and son are directly competing from the same constituency. This contest is significant as it represents the passing of the political torch, with both father and son vying for the same seat in the same party, creating an intriguing political face-off.
Sibling Rivalry in Jokihat: Brothers Clash for Their Father’s Legacy
In Jokihat, the political rivalry continues within the family of the late MP Taslimuddin. His sons, Sarfaraz Alam and Shahnawaz Alam, are once again pitted against each other in the election. Shahnawaz, who won the 2020 election on an AIMIM ticket before joining the RJD, has secured the RJD nomination once again. His elder brother, Sarfaraz Alam, a former MP and MLA, is contesting from the Jan Suraaj Party ticket.
In the 2020 elections, Shahnawaz had defeated Sarfaraz by over 7,000 votes, marking a historic reversal in the family’s political power dynamics. This election could be crucial in determining who inherits their late father’s political legacy in the Araria region. The battle between the two brothers adds a personal layer to the election, as they both look to carry forward their father’s name in the competitive political field.
Bihar Election 2025: Where Family and Politics Collide
As the Bihar Assembly elections draw closer, these family dynamics underscore the state’s long-standing tradition of dynastic politics, where power, inheritance, and emotion often outweigh ideology. In Bihar, the intersection of family legacy and political loyalty is a recurring theme. The intertwining of bloodlines and ballots continues to shape the political theater, where personal rivalries and ambitions frequently influence electoral outcomes.
The political scene in Bihar has long been defined by the dominance of political families. These families, through their dynastic influence, have shaped the state’s electoral landscape for decades. The presence of multiple relatives contesting elections against each other, from the same parties or from opposing sides, reflects the highly personalized nature of Bihar’s politics.
Family members often use their political connections and shared legacy to rally voters, and these familial ties are seen as a source of both strength and division. The involvement of spouses, siblings, and children in the election process showcases the deep-rooted nature of political dynasties in Bihar. In many cases, these family members are not only contesting for political power but also fighting for their family’s continued dominance over local politics.
The Role of Loyalty and Legacy in Bihar’s Elections
As these family rivalries unfold, it becomes clear that loyalty to one’s family and political legacy plays a crucial role in Bihar’s elections. For many candidates, their name and familial ties carry significant weight with voters. This is particularly true in rural constituencies, where family reputation and tradition often outweigh the policies or ideologies of political parties.
In many parts of Bihar, voters cast their ballots based on longstanding loyalty to a particular political family, which is often passed down from one generation to the next. This phenomenon of dynastic politics continues to dominate the political landscape, with multiple families controlling political power in different regions of the state.
The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections are set to be a battleground for not only political ideologies but also for family legacies. With multiple family members contesting elections across constituencies, the state’s dynastic political culture remains as strong as ever. The intertwining of blood and ballots continues to define the political theater in Bihar, where family connections and personal rivalries often carry as much weight as political platforms.
As the election campaign heats up, these family rivalries will only grow more intense, with each faction fighting to maintain its hold on power. While some view this as a sign of political stagnation, others argue that these family-led campaigns keep the political process grounded in local realities and deep-rooted loyalties. Either way, the role of family in Bihar’s political sphere remains undeniable, and it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the 2025 Assembly elections.
