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Bharatiya Janata Party

Dynastic Politics Dominates Bihar Elections

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The influence of powerful political families in Bihar is evident as several veteran leaders pass the baton to their children, even grandchildren, contesting in the upcoming elections. According to an analysis of candidate lists announced by political parties, around a fifth of the main political parties' candidates are from dynastic families. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has allocated over a third of its tickets to dynasts, while Hindustan Awam Morcha - Secular (HAM-S) has issued over half of its tickets to Jitan Ram Manjhi's family members. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal - United (JD-U) have also fielded a significant number of dynasts, including children of former Union ministers and MPs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Around 18% of the BJP's 101 candidates are dynasts, as are 17% of JD-U's 101 candidates.
  • The RJD has allocated over a third of its tickets to dynasts, while HAM-S has issued over half of its tickets to Jitan Ram Manjhi's family members.
  • Former Union minister RCP Singh's daughter Lata Singh and former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur's granddaughter Jagriti Thakur are contesting on Jan Suraaj Party tickets.
  • The children of at least eight former MPs and MLAs have also been fielded as candidates.
  • Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son Nishant is the only missing dynast in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
  • All parties prioritize winnability, and dynasts often fare better due to their existing connections and influence.

Statistics:

  • Around 18% of the BJP's 101 candidates are dynasts.
  • 17% of JD-U's 101 candidates are dynasts.
  • Over a third of RJD's tickets have been allocated to dynasts (36.7).
  • HAM-S has issued over half of its tickets to Jitan Ram Manjhi's family members (56.3).
  • A total of 70 MLAs in 2020 came from political families.
  • In RJD, the Oppostion's chief minister face Tejashwi Prasad Yadav is contesting from Raghopur, which he has already won three times.
  • The children of at least eight former MPs and MLAs have also been fielded.

Sources:

  • "Bihar assembly elections: Dynastic politics heats up in Patna" by HT Digital Content Services
  • "RJD's Tejashwi, Other Dynasts In the Fray" by ANI

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