As Bihar Assembly election tickets are being distributed, the political battle intensifies. Former MP Surajbhan Singh has severed ties with Pashupati Paras's LJP, resigning from both the post of National Vice President and his primary membership. Subsequently, Surajbhan has embraced RJD, affiliating with Tejashwi Yadav.
With Surajbhan Singh's entry into RJD, the script for a Bahubali showdown at the Mokama seat is written. Surajbhan's wife, Veena Devi, stands as the RJD candidate against JDU's formidable Anant Singh, who is already battling it out.
The political stage of Mokama in Patna district has transformed into a high-stakes arena with two power-heavyweights forming a battle for dominance. A head-to-head contest seems imminent between Anant Singh and Surajbhan Singh’s wife.
Veena Devi to Contest from Mokama
Click here for extensive coverage of Bihar elections
Explore every nuance and detail of all Bihar Assembly seats here
In the 1990s, Surajbhan Singh’s name echoed both within the underworld and Bihar’s political corridors. Having served as an MLA from Mokama in 2000, he triumphed over Anant Singh's elder brother and then-Minister Dilip Singh. Opting to position his wife, Veena Devi, on the Mokama seat, Surajbhan this time seeks an RJD victory.
Source: aajtak
Formerly an LJP MP from Munger, Veena Devi is now set to challenge Anant Singh for the Mokama seat. Following JDU's nomination of Anant Singh, Surajbhan departed Pashupati Paras's outfit, affiliating with Tejashwi Yadav. Coming Wednesday, Tejashwi declared Veena Devi as the RJD candidate from Mokama.
Two Powerhouses Collide at Mokama
Dominance by Bahubali figures has been a hallmark at the Mokama seat. Anant Singh and his family have wielded influence here from 1990 to 2020. Once more, Anant Singh enters the electoral field with a JDU ticket, having submitted his nomination. From 2005 to 2020, he maintained a victorious streak, but now faces Veena Devi, Surajbhan's wife.
Renowned Bahubali and former Munger MLA, Surajbhan Singh's wife Veena Devi has jumped into the fray under RJD's banner. Accompanied by his brother and former MP, Chandan Singh, Surajbhan was joined by supporters as they embraced RJD membership. Bihar's history records a time when no railway contract passed without Surajbhan's signal. From Patna to Gorakhpur, his fame spread far and wide.
Despite a halt in his political career following a conviction in the Brij Bihari Prasad murder case, political reins transitioned to his wife, Veena Devi, and brother, Chandan Singh. Both ascended as MPs, and the 'Surajbhan factor' re-emerged from Delhi to Mokama. Now, once again, Mokama captures the spotlight.
Mokama's Political Dynamics
The Mokama seat’s fate has long been swayed by caste and social dynamics. The constituency’s pivotal voter base includes Yadav, Bhumihar, Kushwaha, and Muslim communities. Anant Singh's stronghold lies within the Bhumihar community, while RJD traditionally garners Yadav and Muslim support. Instead of a triangular clash, this contest could very well narrow into a thrilling direct duel.
25 years ago, Surajbhan Singh defeated Anant Singh’s elder brother, Dilip Singh, on this very seat—a turning point in Mokama’s political scene. Today, the stage seems set for a similar narrative to unfold as Anant Singh is renowned for his grip on Mokama’s politics. His formidable presence contends with Surajbhan’s sway over upper-caste voters. Here, a strategy to breach Anant’s stronghold by fusing Yadav and Muslim voter support comes into play.
