Family feuds take centre stage in state’s electoral Mahabharat

Patna: As relatives face off in Bihar’s electoral arena, family ties are emerging as one of the biggest casualties in the state’s poll Mahabharat. With almost everyone seeking a seat in the august House of the Bihar assembly, candidates seem to be paying little heed to family relations, judging by the current scenario. At least three prominent political families are clashing this election, adding intrigue to the contest that has gained momentum after the withdrawal of candidature. The two-phase polling will be held on Nov 6 and Nov 11.

Even before counting begins, the spectacle of family members campaigning against each other has captivated the electorate. The most-watched contest is in Jokihat, Araria district, where brothers Shahnawaz Alam and Sarfaraz Alam, sons of the late RJD minister Mohammad Taslimuddin, are locked in a bitter battle for the seat. While sitting legislator Shahnawaz has been fielded again by the RJD, his brother Sarfaraz, a former parliamentarian, is contesting on a Jan Suraaj Party ticket. Neither sees conflict in facing off.




“In democracy, everyone holds the right to contest elections. It is the people who will decide who should be given the authority to represent the seat,” Sarfaraz told the media. He added that he wanted to transform the Seemanchal region, which lags behind in development. “If elected, I will establish the people’s rule in the Seemanchal zone and end corruption. Janata ka naukar aaj malik ban baitha hai…main ise khatm karunga,” he said.

Shahnawaz, denying any animosity, said he would respect the voters’ choice. “This time, the fight is between secularism and communalism as two more parties are clandestinely backing the BJP,” he said. “I will happily accept what the people deliver in their judgment.”

In Jamalpur, Munger district, another family duel is unfolding. Former minister Shailesh Kumar Mandal, a four-time JD(U) legislator, was hopeful of retaining the party ticket after losing the last election by just over 4,000 votes. Instead, the JD(U) fielded his nephew, Nachiketa Mandal. “I have jumped into the fray as the people want me to contest,” Shailesh said, lamenting the party’s treatment of a loyal worker. Nachiketa added: “Soon after getting the JD(U) ticket, I rushed to my uncle to seek his blessing, but he said he would also contest. I can’t stop him since everyone holds the right to contest.”

The Hisua assembly seat in Nawada district has seen rivalry between daughters-in-law of former minister Aditya Singh. Nitu Kumari, the sitting legislator, retained the Congress ticket, while her sister-in-law, Abha Singh, joined the BJP and campaigned for BJP candidate Anil Singh, adding fresh interest to the contest.

The Mahua constituency in Vaishali district remains the star attraction, with two brothers, Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, sons of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, campaigning against each other. The conflict stems from an incident in May when Tej Pratap revealed personal relations with a young woman, prompting the family to act. The party expelled him for six years, but he later formed the Janshakti Janata Dal and is now contesting from Mahua, the seat he held in 2015. Tejashwi, the opposition’s star campaigner, is set to campaign against his elder brother. Tej Pratap had contested the 2020 polls from Hasanpur in Samastipur but has returned to Mahua this time.