Bihar's migrant workers, a constant through time, are driven to other states not just by poverty but by a need for change and opportunity.
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Subir Sinha, Director of the SOAS South Asia Institute, speaks to Outlook and said that while he doesn’t believe EVMs are being hacked or switched but there are several anomalies in the Bihar elections that need clarification. He points out to fluctuating vote percentages, crucial data not being shared with parties, and irregular counting speeds across constituencies.
Bihar’s crises are not isolated statistics but lived realities, revealing a state where systemic neglect, social inequities and political disregard have turned everyday survival into an act of endurance.
While analysts and political scientists are trying to process the results, the three options remain open in the light of BJP's victory and in the days to come, there will be claims and complaints and calculations. The battle for Bihar isn’t over. It is yet to unfold.
While slain Dularchand Yadav is referred to as a dacoit, Anant Singh is a Bahubali. In Bihar, caste is an undeniable fact where most Bahubalis belong to the upper castes and have a lot of wealth accumulated through their many dealings and those who come from the lower castes are called baghis (rebels) or dacoits. In this world of guns and gangs, political patronage continues.
Supporter explains Anand Singh's electoral success—funeral help, dowry assistance, education funding, and living in Mokama instead of Patna. His assets grew from ₹25 crore to ₹100 crore, but villagers see him as "our brother."
The rally in Hussainganj aims to tap into the sentiments of the youth, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav arriving to back Osama Shahab — the RJD candidate and son of former MP Mohammad Shahabuddin, a dreaded yet Robin Hood-like figure in the region. A young leader who recently joined the RJD, Osama has largely stayed away from the media, refusing interviews. His candidature, however, has stirred controversy, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah accusing the RJD of bringing back Bihar’s 'Jungle Raj'. Outlook Editor Chinki Sinha reports from Siwan, Bihar
In Bihar’s Vaishali district, Shivani Shukla, daughter of Bahubali Munna Shukla, is making her political debut from Lalganj on an RJD ticket, hoping to continue her family’s legacy. Speaking to Outlook's Editor Chinki Sinha, Shukla said that today’s youth are disillusioned with token promises and want leaders who understand their struggles.
Author and journalist Vikas Kumar Jha spoke with Outlook Editor Chinki Sinha about Bihar's political reality. Despite safer streets and better infrastructure, the caste-cash-crime triangle, poverty, and political violence remain unchanged. History-sheeters now make up 71% of candidates.
Mokama is especially critical for the Bihar Election 2025 because the Bhumihar community, though a small percentage of the electorate, acts as a pivot in this constituency. Both rival strongmen who shape politics in Mokama— Anant Kumar Yadav and Surajbhan Singh are Bhumihar leaders.
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