As Bihar prepares for its 2025 Assembly elections, a shocking incident has ignited a fierce political storm. The son of BJP leader Upendra Paswan, Subab Kumar, was tragically shot dead just a day before Diwali in Gaya district. The murder has not only stirred the local community but also intensified political tension across the state. Police have named Gaya Mayor Virendra Kumar, also known as Ganesh Paswan, as a prime suspect in the murder, which is being investigated as a contract killing. Meanwhile, leaders of the Mahagathbandhan, or Grand Alliance, have strongly criticized the accusation, alleging a political conspiracy to frame the mayor ahead of the election.
The Murder and Investigation
The tragic incident took place early in the morning in the Bairagi Murli Hill area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Kotwali police station. According to initial reports, four unidentified assailants ambushed Subab Kumar and shot him point-blank, killing him instantly. CCTV footage from the area has surfaced, providing vital clues that may assist the police in their investigation.
Following the murder, BJP leader Upendra Paswan openly accused Gaya Mayor Ganesh Paswan of being the mastermind behind the killing. Paswan suggested that an old rivalry between the two may have led to the crime, which he believes was orchestrated as a contract killing. In his formal complaint, Upendra Paswan named several other individuals he believes were involved in the plot.
Political Allegations and Mahagathbandhan’s Stand
The murder has sparked a strong reaction from political leaders, particularly from the Mahagathbandhan. Jehanabad MP Surendra Yadav, former MLA Awadhesh Singh, and Congress candidate Mohan Srivastava, all members of the opposition alliance, have condemned the allegations against Mayor Ganesh Paswan. They claim that the accusation is a politically motivated attempt to frame him in the lead-up to the Bihar Assembly elections.
In a meeting with Magadh Range IG Kshatraneel Singh, these leaders raised concerns over what they termed a “deliberate framing” of the mayor for political gain. The opposition has argued that the timing of the FIR—coming just ahead of the elections—appears suspicious and designed to tarnish the reputation of a key figure in the Grand Alliance. “The purpose behind this FIR is to defame the growing political influence of Mayor Ganesh Paswan in the region,” the delegation claimed.
They also pointed out that the election season has created a charged political atmosphere, making it easier to manipulate public sentiment. Mahagathbandhan leaders warned that false accusations of this nature undermine public trust in the electoral process and may unfairly affect the outcome of the upcoming elections.
Formation of Special Investigation Team (SIT)
In response to the gravity of the situation, Gaya’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anand Kumar announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the murder. The SIT has been tasked with several critical responsibilities, including analyzing CCTV footage, interrogating suspects, and gathering further evidence to identify the culprits behind the murder. SSP Anand Kumar assured the public that arrests would be made soon as the investigation progresses.
“The SIT will leave no stone unturned in solving this case,” he said, emphasizing that a detailed and fair inquiry would take place to uncover the truth. The formation of the SIT has brought a degree of assurance to the public, indicating that the authorities are committed to a transparent and thorough investigation.
Political Polarization Intensifies
The murder of Subab Kumar has deepened the political divide between the two major political alliances in Bihar—the ruling NDA (National Democratic Alliance) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan. The BJP, which has been vocal about its support for justice in this case, has demanded swift action against the perpetrators and has continued to push for the prosecution of those involved in the murder.
On the other hand, the Mahagathbandhan has accused the BJP of politicizing the murder for electoral advantage. Opposition leaders argue that the case is being manipulated to sway voter sentiment in favor of the NDA, especially in Gaya, where the political landscape is highly competitive. They believe that the BJP is using the murder as a tool to create an atmosphere of fear and distrust, hoping to undermine the credibility of the Grand Alliance in the eyes of the electorate.
The BJP’s demand for justice, combined with the accusations of political manipulation from the opposition, has turned the murder case into a flashpoint in the ongoing political battle in Bihar. The stakes have only grown higher as both sides continue to exchange barbs, each trying to capitalize on the emotional and political fallout from the tragedy.
The Impact on Bihar’s Upcoming Elections
With the Bihar Assembly elections just around the corner, the murder has become a key issue in the political discourse. The timing of the incident, just before Diwali, and the heightened tensions surrounding it have added an extra layer of complexity to an already polarized political climate. As the investigation continues, both the ruling and opposition parties are gearing up for the electoral showdown in Bihar, and the consequences of this incident may ripple throughout the campaign.
The murder has cast a shadow over the Gaya district, with residents and political figures alike questioning the larger implications for the state. The opposition, led by the Mahagathbandhan, has pointed out that the murder and its subsequent politicization could serve as a pretext for electoral manipulation. They have called for a fair investigation and for political interference to be kept at bay.
Public Sentiment and Election Campaigns
The emotional and tragic nature of the murder, combined with the complex web of political accusations, has affected public sentiment in Bihar. Gaya, a crucial district in the state, is now at the center of a bitter political battle. As the investigation unfolds, political leaders are trying to appeal to voters with promises of justice, fairness, and transparency. The BJP is using the murder to rally support for its demand for swift justice, while the Mahagathbandhan is attempting to distance itself from the accusations and focus on issues that resonate with the electorate.
In the coming weeks, the impact of this incident on the electoral campaigns will become clearer. How voters in Gaya, and across Bihar, perceive the political responses to this case could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the election. The influence of the murder on local politics and its potential to swing votes could be decisive in a tightly contested election.
The murder of Subab Kumar, the son of BJP leader Upendra Paswan, has sent shockwaves through Bihar’s political landscape. With the police investigation underway and accusations of a political conspiracy swirling, the case has become a flashpoint in the run-up to the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. The involvement of Gaya Mayor Ganesh Paswan, the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), and the political maneuvering by both the NDA and Mahagathbandhan are all contributing to a tense atmosphere in the state.
As Bihar approaches the polls, the handling of this case will likely have a lasting impact on the political fortunes of the parties involved. Both the BJP and the Mahagathbandhan are working to control the narrative and ensure that the investigation remains transparent and fair. The electorate will be watching closely to see how this high-profile case is resolved and what influence it will have on their voting decisions. The unfolding political drama in Gaya will be one of the key factors to watch as Bihar heads into its elections.
