Bihar is gearing up for its 2025 assembly elections, a period where the state’s notorious ‘bahubali’ (strongman) culture takes center stage. These influential figures often command loyalty through intimidation and financial clout rather than policy promises. This election cycle sees many such candidates returning to the electoral battleground, with their declared assets highlighting the extent of their influence.
In the Mokama constituency, JD(U) candidate Anant Singh stands out with declared assets of Rs 37.88 crore, including a Rs 2.70 crore Toyota Land Cruiser and other luxury vehicles. His wife, Neelam Devi, possesses even greater wealth, with assets valued at Rs 62.72 crore, including a substantial jewellery collection and a fleet of SUVs. The couple’s combined liabilities exceed Rs 50 crore. Singh himself faces 28 criminal cases, ranging from murder and kidnapping to illegal arms possession.
From Barh, RJD candidate Karnveer Singh, also known as Lallu Mukhia, has declared Rs 17.72 crore in assets, including gold and luxury cars. He is facing fifteen criminal cases, including charges of murder and extortion.
Other notable candidates include Hulasa Pandey of LJP (R) from Buxar with Rs 12.19 crore in assets and two criminal cases. Veena Devi, wife of Surajbhan Singh and an RJD candidate from Mokama, has declared Rs 8.67 crore in assets and boasts no criminal history.
Ritlal Rai of RJD from Danapur declares Rs 7.71 crore and has over 30 criminal cases, including murder and extortion charges. Amarendra Kumar Pandey (JD(U)) from Kuchaykot has assets worth Rs 5.69 crore and fourteen criminal cases, including attempted murder and rioting.
Manoranjan Singh, or Dhumal Singh (JDU) from Ekma, has declared Rs 3.27 crore in property and no criminal cases. Osama Shahab, son of the late Mohammad Shahabuddin, is contesting from Siwan with RJD, holding Rs 2.31 crore in assets and five criminal cases.
Chetan Anand, son of Anand Mohan, is running for JD(U) in Nabinagar with Rs 1.46 crore in assets and two criminal cases. Anita Devi (RJD) from Warisaliganj declares Rs 1.31 crore, while her husband, a known gangster, has one criminal case. BJP’s Aruna Devi from the same seat has declared Rs 92.57 lakh.
Shivani Shukla, daughter of jailed strongman Munna Shukla, is the RJD candidate from Lalganj with declared assets of Rs 21.28 lakh, including a student loan. In Bihar, power invariably comes with wealth and often, a significant criminal record, presenting voters with a complex choice.